Contrast Social Security, unemployment compensation, and workers' compensation benefits. Social Security is an insurance program funded by current employees to provide (1) a minimum level of retirement income, (2) disability income, and (3) survivor benefits. Unemployment compensation provides income continuation to employees who lose a job through no fault of their own. Unemployment compensation typically lasts for 26 weeks. Workers' compensation provides income continuation for employees who are hurt or disabled on the job. Workers' compensation also covers work-related deaths or permanent disabilities. All three are legally required benefits. lop85