survivors benefits

     You may have heard of Social Security survivors benefits--one of the reasons we pay Social Security taxes. Survivors benefits are for the minor children of people who have died, or for disabled adult children. The spouse of someone who has died may receive higher benefits, if the deceased was entitled to a higher amount than the survivor. These are also called survivors benefits.
      Survivors  benefits are one of the reasons people are arguing about gay marriage.  If they aren't accepted as married couples, gays can't collect survivors benefits, or benefits from pension plans their partners may have earned through employment.