Agreed. I don't think it is right that someone can pay in for many years and pass before collecting a dime. Should get some sort of minimum payout to spouse or estate.
Hate that you can have two elderly folk living on the two SS checks and then one passes and the income suddenly drops as the survivor will not still be getting both payments.
You must also hate paying for auto insurance and home insurance. Many people pay 5 to 6 figures over a lifetime and never collect a dime. SS is social insurance.