Final answer:
The blackout period refers to the time when dependents reach age 18 and the surviving spouse has not yet started receiving their own retirement benefits. It leaves a gap in Social Security benefits following the death of a wage earner. Social Security provides economic safety for the elderly, survivors, and the disabled, with benefits based on the worker's earnings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Blackout Period in Social Security
The 'blackout period' in the context of Social Security refers to D. The period of time when the dependents have reached age 18 and the spouse's Social Security retirement benefits have not started. This typically occurs after a wage earner's death when their minor children have grown up, leaving a gap in benefits until the spouse is eligible to receive their own retirement benefits. Social Security is a vital program that ensures economic safety for the elderly, survivors, and the disabled. Benefits are based on the workers' earnings and are not solely intended to be the only source of income, as they generally replace a percentage of the previous wages.
Survivor benefits, including those for widows or widowers, play a critical role in supporting families after the loss of a wage earner. These benefits are often essential in preventing elderly poverty and are a part of the broader Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) system. The widow of a qualified worker can start receiving monthly benefits at age 65, and in some cases, an aged dependent parent may also get benefits. It's worth noting that Social Security also provides disability payouts for workers who become disabled and Supplemental Security Income for those with considerable disabilities or the elderly with low income.