Which statement is true regarding automatic dependency when the worker dies and has a child under 18?

• A. The spouse is automatically presumed dependent
• B. Any child under 18 is automatically presumed dependent
• C. Grandparents are automatically presumed dependent
• D. There is no automatic presumption

Answer: (B)

When a worker dies, minor children are treated as dependents by automatic presumption for survivor benefits. This means a child under 18 is assumed to be financially dependent on the worker, so benefits can be processed without first proving dependency. The aim is to protect and support young survivors promptly. Grandparents aren’t given an automatic presumption of dependency in this scenario, and while a spouse may qualify as a dependent, that status isn’t automatically presumed in the same way for a minor child. There is an automatic presumption for minor children, so the statement that any child under 18 is automatically presumed dependent is the correct one.