What is the status of limited eligibility under Social Security that provides only death benefits?

The status of "currently insured" under Social Security refers to a specific eligibility category that allows individuals to qualify for certain benefits, including death benefits, without necessarily having a full work record. To be considered currently insured, an individual must have earned a certain number of work credits within a defined period, which is typically fewer than what is required for full benefits, such as retirement or disability. This status provides a safety net for those who may not have contributed long enough to be fully insured but still have some protection in the event of death.

This means that if a person is currently insured, their dependents may be eligible for survivor benefits upon their death. This provision is crucial for individuals who have faced interruptions in their work history or who have not accumulated enough work credits to be listed as fully insured. Understanding the difference between currently insured and fully insured is key to grasping how Social Security benefits function and who qualifies for what types of assistance.