Survivorship benefits are the benefits paid to the survivor of the deceased, whether it be under a pension plan, social security plan, or a life insurance policy.
Under a pension plan, the benefits, if any, are paid to a survivor of the retiree, which are based on a formula contained in the plan. Under Social Security, the benefits that an individual may have after the death of a spouse are based on Social Security rules. Under a life insurance policy, these benefits are paid to any remaining insureds. This is also known as benefits of survivorship.
Benefits of survivorship