Which of the following is listed as an eligibility category for Social Security retirement benefits?

Which of the following is listed as an eligibility category for Social Security retirement benefits?

• A. Unmarried grandchildren
• B. Unmarried siblings
• C. Unemployed workers
• D. Spouses with dependent children younger than 16 (or a disabled child)

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is how Social Security retirement benefits can extend to eligible family members, not just the worker themselves. A valid eligibility category is for a spouse who is married to the worker and has a dependent child under 16 (or a disabled child). This reflects how the program supports the family unit: the spouse can receive benefits based on the worker’s record when there is a dependent child in the picture. The other options don’t describe recognized family-eligibility categories for retirement benefits—unmarried grandchildren or siblings aren’t eligible in this context, and simply being unemployed isn’t a basis for retirement benefits.

The concept being tested is how Social Security retirement benefits can extend to eligible family members, not just the worker themselves. A valid eligibility category is for a spouse who is married to the worker and has a dependent child under 16 (or a disabled child). This reflects how the program supports the family unit: the spouse can receive benefits based on the worker’s record when there is a dependent child in the picture. The other options don’t describe recognized family-eligibility categories for retirement benefits—unmarried grandchildren or siblings aren’t eligible in this context, and simply being unemployed isn’t a basis for retirement benefits.