National Board Of Examination (NBE) Arts Practice Exam

Who may receive the lump sum death benefit from Social Security?

1. Sibling

2. Divorced Spouse

3. Parent

4. Dependent Adult child

The correct answer is: Dependent Adult child

The lump sum death benefit from Social Security is designed to provide financial assistance to specific survivors of the deceased worker. In this case, the dependent adult child is eligible to receive this benefit. This provision acknowledges the financial reliance that adult children may have on their parent, especially if they are unable to support themselves due to disabilities or other significant factors. The Social Security Administration typically recognizes dependents like children, including those who are adult children with disabilities, as direct beneficiaries of the lump sum death payment. This focus on dependents aligns with the program's intent to provide immediate financial relief to those who were directly supported by the deceased. While siblings, divorced spouses, and parents have their eligibility criteria for other benefits within Social Security, they are not eligible for the lump sum death benefit itself. Thus, the recognition of a dependent adult child reflects Social Security's commitment to protecting vulnerable family members who are directly impacted by the loss of the insured worker.