From the Social Security Administration

Most of us don't like to talk about death or even think about it. But wouldn't you feel better knowing that, if you were no longer living, Social Security would help take care of your family? Of course, you would.

If you are working and paying into Social Security, some of the Social Security taxes you pay goes toward survivors insurance. In fact, the value of the survivors insurance you have under Social Security is probably more than the value of your current life insurance. And you thought Social Security was just for retirement!

If you are married and both of you are wage earners, you should consider survivors benefits from both perspectives.

When you die, members of your family could be eligible for benefits based on your earnings. Planning For Your Survivors explains how you earn benefits and who qualifies for them.

If your spouse or parent dies, you and your family could be eligible to receive benefits based on their earnings. To learn about the survivors benefits that may be available to you, go to If You Are the Survivor.