In addition to the benefits that are paid out to individuals who are elderly or disabled, social security death benefits are also available. After an individual who has paid social security taxes for most of his or her life (for at least 10 years, depending on the person's age) dies, then certain members of the family may be eligible to receive benefits for being a survivor. This is to help offset the cost of being a single parent or struggling to maintain the quality of life after the loss of a second income.