Am I Getting All the Social Security Benefits I Can?
The Social Security Administration extends payments beyond standard retirement benefits to spouses, children, and those with disabilities. Here are seven benefit categories worth exploring.
1. Spousal Benefits
Married spouses can claim up to half of their husband’s or wife’s monthly benefit amount. Stay-at-home spouses without their own work history may qualify through this route. Claims can begin at age 62, though early claiming results in reduced payments before reaching full retirement age. When eligible for both personal and spousal benefits, recipients receive whichever amount is greater.
2. Divorced Spousal Benefits
Even after divorce, spousal benefits may be available if all conditions are met:
- Your ex-spouse qualifies for Social Security benefits
- Your marriage lasted at least 10 years
- You remain unmarried
- You’ve reached age 62
- Your personal benefit is less than the spousal benefit amount
Claiming these benefits does not affect your ex-spouse’s payments or their current spouse’s eligibility.
3. Survivor’s Benefits for Widows and Widowers
Surviving spouses may receive up to 100% of the deceased worker’s Social Security retirement benefit. Divorced spouses can also qualify if married for at least 10 years and currently unmarried. Most can begin claiming at age 60, while those with disabilities that began before or within seven years of the spouse’s death may start at age 50. Widows and widowers of any age caring for a deceased worker’s child under 16 (or disabled) qualify for benefits.
4. Survivor’s Benefits for Children
Children can receive payments based on a deceased parent’s work record. Benefits extend to age 18 (or 19 if attending secondary school full-time). Eligibility may continue beyond these ages if a child becomes disabled before age 22. Grandchildren and stepchildren may also qualify under certain circumstances.
5. Parent’s Benefits
Parents who received financial support from a deceased child may be eligible. Requirements include:
- The deceased worker had sufficient work credits
- You’re at least age 62 and typically cannot remarry after the worker’s death
- You received at least half your support from the worker at certain times
- You became a natural, adoptive, or stepparent before the worker turned 16
- You don’t qualify for a higher Social Security retirement benefit
6. Disability Benefits
Through the Social Security Disability Insurance program, individuals with qualifying work history who cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death may receive monthly payments.
7. Supplemental Security Income
Funded by general tax revenue rather than Social Security taxes, SSI provides cash assistance for basic needs to adults and children with disabilities, blindness, or limited income and resources. No work history is required.
If you or a loved one needs assistance with elder law or estate planning matters, do not hesitate to contact The Stegall Law Firm. We are here to help.
