Final answer:
The statement is true; traditional pension plans can provide benefits to retirees, their spouses, and dependents. However, the prevalence of pensions is declining, giving way to defined contribution plans like 401(k)s which help retirees offset inflation through investment returns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that benefits under a pension plan can include the retiree, the retiree's spouse, and other dependents is true. Traditional pension plans, also known as defined benefits plans, offer fixed nominal dollar amounts per year at retirement. These plans have typically provided benefits not only to the retiree but also potentially to the retiree's spouse and dependents under certain conditions.
However, it's important to note that traditional pensions are being increasingly replaced by defined contribution plans like 401(k)s and 403(b)s, where retirees may benefit from investments generating real rates of return, which can help offset the effects of inflation over time.