Marvin was widowed at age 38 when his children were 8 and 10 years of age. Assuming his deceased spouse was eligible for Social Security survivor's benefits, how many years would Marvin be in the "blackout period"?

a. 0 years

b. 10 years

c. 12 years

d. 13 years

c. 12 years

Explanation:

The blackout period is the gap that exists between the year a deceased worker's children reach the upper age limits (16 years) for survivors benefits and the time that worker's spouse becomes eligible for widow/widower benefits (60 years).

Marvin became a widow at 38 years, she will receive benefits until her last child who is 8 years becomes 16 years old. By then, Mavin is 46 years. The children will each receive benefits until they turn 18 by then Mavin is 48 years old. Then the blackout period begins. Mavin has up to retirement age of 60 years to remain in the blackout period. So 60 years - 48 years = 12 years. Therefore, Mavin has up to 12 years to be in the "blackout period".