Which is correct for the totally dependent minor grandchild's eligibility for the special death benefit as when totally dependent minor child?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if guardian agrees
• D. Depends on the ER

Answer: (A)

The important idea is that eligibility for the special death benefit hinges on dependency, not generation. If a grandchild is totally dependent on the employee for support at the time of death, they are treated the same as a totally dependent minor child for purposes of this benefit. So a totally dependent minor grandchild qualifies just as a dependent child would.

If the beneficiary is a minor, the money will be handled through a guardian or custodian, but eligibility itself doesn’t require the guardian’s agreement. The key factors are the dependency status and the relationship, not the guardian’s approval or the employer’s stance. For example, a grandchild who lived with the employee and depended entirely on them for support would be eligible for the benefit in the same way a dependent child would.