Social Security tax pays survivors benefits to families of workers who have died and left behind children under 20 years old, and spouses. In some cases, ex-spouses and parents may also receive survivors benefits. Dependents receive between 75 and 100 percent of a deceased worker's Social Security benefit. However, the SSA limits benefit amounts paid monthly to families qualifying for survivors benefits. How much a family member receives depends on how many years the deceased worker remained employed and their earnings total at the time of their death.

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