In the event of your death prior to retirement, assuming you have met the minimum qualifications for survivor’s benefits, your spouse and children could receive a lump sum social security death benefit.  Social Security could also provide a monthly income to your family based on the retirement benefits you would have been eligible to receive.  This benefit is funded by the social security taxes paid by you and Trinity University.

The social security website is www.socialsecurity.gov.  This will give you more information on social security retirement benefits, social security disability benefits, SSI and Medicare.