What is the threshold to qualify for presumption of total dependency for a spouse at time of death?

• A. $20,000 or less
• B. $30,000 or less
• C. $40,000 or less
• D. no limit

Answer: (B)

Presumption of total dependency is determined by the surviving spouse’s own income at the time of death. If the spouse’s annual earnings are thirty thousand dollars or less, the law presumes they were totally dependent on the deceased for support. That presumption makes it easier to qualify for full death benefits because you don’t have to prove dependency with other evidence. If the spouse earns more than thirty thousand, there isn’t the automatic presumption of total dependency, and actual dependency must be established by other means. So thirty thousand dollars or less is the threshold that creates the presumption.