Question

The "currently insured" classification under Social Security limits survivorship benefits. In order to be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, a person must have earned _________________ period ending with the quarter in which the worker died.

a) 20 quarters of coverage
b) 40 quarters of coverage
c) 10 quarters of coverage
d) 15 quarters of coverage

Answer 1

To be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, a person must have earned 40 quarters of coverage.

Step-by-step explanation:

In order to be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits, a person must have earned 40 quarters of coverage.

Quarters of coverage refer to the time a person has worked and paid Social Security taxes. To earn a quarter of coverage, a person needs to earn a certain amount of money that is subject to Social Security taxes. In 2021, a person needs to earn $1,470 to earn one quarter of coverage.

Therefore, by earning 40 quarters of coverage, a person is considered 'currently insured' and eligible for Social Security survivor benefits.