Social Security doesn’t just pay retirement benefits. The problem also pays benefits to widows and even children. It’s important to know how the program’s survivor benefits work if you’re eligible.

Survivors of service members who die while serving on active duty are eligible for a wide range of pay and benefits. These come in three distinct categories: one-time payments or allowances, monthly ...

Q. In a column last month discussing Social Security’s earning limits of $23,400 (“Timing is key for initiating survivor benefits”), you did not distinguish between work earnings and other income. The ...

Social Security takes care of people whose spouses pass away. Your survivor benefit could be worth up to 100% of what your spouse was entitled to. It can be challenging to figure out when to claim a ...