Social Security Survivors Benefits

Publication Date: October 2005

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Banking and finance

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Abstract:

Social Security is formally known as the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) program. This report focuses on the Survivors Insurance component of Social Security. When workers die, their spouses, former spouses, and dependents may qualify for Social Security survivors benefits. This report describes how a person becomes covered by Survivors Insurance. It outlines the types and amounts of benefits available to survivors, eligibility for those benefits, and the benefit application process. It provides statistics on survivor beneficiaries and a legislative history of Survivors Insurance, including legislative activity in the 109th Congress. Current bills that would affect survivors benefits include H.R. 77, H.R. 78, H.R. 440, H.R. 530, S. 540, H.R. 750, H.R. 1776, H.R. 2126, H.R. 2190, H.R. 2191, H.R. 2192, S. 857, and S. 1302. This report will not be updated.