death benefit

American  

noun

1. the amount of money to be paid under the terms of an insurance policy to the designated beneficiary upon the death of the insured.

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Etymology

Origin of death benefit

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

death benefit

When he dies those will go to beneficiaries income-tax-free in the form of a death benefit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

A hybrid long-term-care policy provides a death benefit as well as coverage for care at home, in an assisted-living facility or in a nursing home.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

These policies can be structured to favor either a stronger death benefit or stronger LTC benefits.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 1, 2026

They can elect to continue the income over a spouse’s lifetime and add a death benefit for other heirs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 3, 2025

The assessment of twenty-five cents levied by the Glass Bottle Blowers for each death benefit upon a membership of 2423 in 1891 yielded a greater sum than the definite amount adopted one year later.

From Beneficiary Features of American Trade Unions by James B. Kennedy