What is the requirement to be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits?

To qualify for Social Security survivor benefits, an individual must have earned a certain number of work credits based on their work history before their death. The correct answer regarding the requirement is that a person needs six credits during the 13-quarter period.

In the context of Social Security, one credit is earned for a specific amount of covered earnings; as of recent guidelines, a worker can earn up to four credits per year based on their income. Survivor benefits are available to the family members of eligible deceased workers, such as children, spouses, and dependent parents, reflecting the worker's contribution to the Social Security system. The requirement for six credits means that the individual must have worked long enough to accumulate these credits, which is essential for ensuring that the benefit is reserved for those who are deemed to have a significant connection to the system through their employment history.

The other choices mention different combinations of credits and quarters, which do not align with the specific criteria put forth by the Social Security Administration for survivor benefits, illustrating a misunderstanding of how credits and periods are calculated for eligibility.