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

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

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

The death benefit for beneficiaries helps offset that “lose it” risk.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 1, 2026

That is less than half the $800,000 cash-in value of Montana’s policy and a fraction of the death benefit, according to a court challenge she made this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

The railroad company he worked for gave Gianetsas, who could barely speak English at the time, a death benefit worth $1,500.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 20, 2024

In several important unions the death benefit has been made the basis for a disability benefit.

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