Which statement regarding Social Security benefits is correct?

The accurate statement regarding Social Security benefits is that Mason is eligible for benefits while his son is 16. Under Social Security guidelines, a parent can receive benefits based on their own work record even when their child is still a minor. In fact, a child can receive dependent benefits while they are under the age of 18, or until they turn 19 if they are still in high school. Therefore, Mason receiving benefits during the time his son is 16 adheres to the regulations set forth by Social Security.

Understanding the context surrounding the other statements enhances the clarity of this reasoning. A surviving spouse often qualifies for a lump-sum benefit upon the death of the insured individual, which makes the first statement inaccurate. Furthermore, certain criteria must be met to determine eligibility for survivor benefits; thus, claiming Lola and her daughter are ineligible without context misses the nuances of Social Security guidelines. Lastly, a child turning 16 does not lose eligibility for benefits; rather, they may still qualify for benefits from a parent who is receiving Social Security, as stated in the correct choice.