What type of benefit is provided for individuals whose spouse will receive benefits after their death?

The survivor benefit is a type of benefit that is specifically designed for individuals whose spouse has passed away and who is set to receive benefits as a result. This benefit provides financial support to the surviving spouse or dependents, acknowledging that the deceased spouse had earned benefits during their lifetime.

The key aspect of the survivor benefit is its focus on the continuation of income or support for the living spouse or family members after the loss of the primary earner. This is particularly important in ensuring that the financial stability of the surviving family members is maintained, especially after the death of a legal partner who may have provided crucial support.

In contrast, retirement benefits pertain to the income an individual earns upon reaching retirement age, reflecting their work history, while disability benefits are provided to individuals who are no longer able to work due to a disability, not related to a spouse's death. Death benefits, while they may seem similar, often refer to one-time payments made to beneficiaries rather than ongoing support, and may not specifically address the scenario of a spouse receiving benefits post-death. Thus, the focus on providing continuing support to the surviving spouse positions the survivor benefit as the correct option in this context.