Social Security is best known as a retirement program, but it is also an important source of income security for families with children, including families of servicemembers who risk their lives in military service. When a member of the armed forces dies, his or her family may qualify for Social...

Social Security pays monthly benefits to retired and disabled workers, to their families, and to the families of deceased workers. Benefits and the administrative costs of the program are paid from the Social Security trust funds. The funds receive income from Social Security taxes paid by...