Am I entitled to any death benefits if my spouse or parent dies due to a work-related injury or illness?

Yes. A spouse and/or dependent children have a right to receive as much as 70 percent of the deceased worker’s weekly salary until the surviving spouse dies or remarries, or the dependent child attains the age of 18, or age 23 if the child is a full-time student. In addition, a disabled child may qualify for benefits after age 18 or 23.

A surviving spouse and natural children who were residing with the deceased at the time of death are considered dependents. Anyone who claims to be a dependent, but was not residing with the deceased at the time of death must show proof of dependency to a judge. This includes a surviving spouse, natural children over age 18, parents, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, etc. A New Jersey judge will decide how death benefits are to be divided among the dependents of the deceased.