Americans are dangerously in the dark about Social Security benefits.
Research from Nationwide Financial revealed 30% of adults are unaware that
spousal benefits exist, and 50% of Americans incorrectly believe you aren’t
allowed to claim Social Security on an ex-spouse’s work record, even though
sometimes you’re eligible.
These knowledge gaps come at a huge financial cost for Americans who are leaving
benefits on the table. If you’re missing out, you’re passing up your
chance at a stress-free
retirement simply because the Social Security system is so hard to figure
out.
Don’t let that happen. Read on to learn about five Social Security benefits you
should claim now.
Social Security spousal benefits
Social Security spousal benefits equal up to 50% of your spouse’s primary
insurance amount. If the primary earner has claimed their retirement benefits
and you are at least 62 or have a qualifying child in your care, you’re eligible
to claim these benefits.
Typically, you must have been married for at least a year or have your spouse’s
child to qualify. And, unless you have a qualifying child, you reduce your
spousal benefit if you claim before your full retirement age.
But if you are married to someone who earns more than you, looking into spousal
benefits is definitely worth doing. Apply online, call Social Security at
1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office.
Shopping for cheaper auto insurance? Enter your zip code here to get started.
Divorced spouses’ benefits
Despite common misconceptions to the contrary, divorce doesn’t mean you lose the
ability to claim spousal benefits. If you were married for at least 10 years
before divorcing, and you haven’t remarried, you are still allowed to claim
these benefits on your spouse’s work record.
The benefit still equals up to 50% of your ex’s primary insurance amount, but as
long as you have been divorced for at least two years, you don’t have to wait
for your ex to claim retirement benefits to start your spousal benefits.
Your claim on your ex’s benefits doesn’t affect their own retirement checks, and
your ex won’t be able to stop you from claiming these benefits even if they want
to. Apply online, call Social Security, or visit your local Social Security
office.
Social Security survivor benefits
Survivor benefits are available if your spouse died and you were married for at
least nine months before the death. You’re eligible for these benefits at a
younger age than for retirement benefits. They’re available as soon as you turn
60, or if you are caring for a minor or disabled child of the person who died.
The Inspector General found that the Social Security Administration failed to
inform many widows of their right to claim survivor benefits while postponing
their own retirement benefits claim, which cost widows and widowers over $113.8
million.
You don’t want this to happen to you, so make sure you understand all
the benefits you are eligible for. You’ll need to apply for survivor benefits at
your local Social Security office, so call 800-772-1213 to set up an
appointment.
Benefits for public service employees and their families
The Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset previously
prevented many public service workers and their spouses from getting Social
Security benefits.
These laws reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for workers who got a
pension from a job where they didn’t pay Social Security taxes, even if they
qualified for Social Security benefits from other work.
The laws were repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed
into law on January 5, 2025. Most people were automatically sent extra payments
for missed benefits, but anyone who never applied for Social Security because
they thought they’d be disqualified, who is now eligible for benefits, must
submit an application to the SSA online, in person, or via phone.
Disability benefits before full retirement age
Finally, if you become disabled before your full retirement age, Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits provide income for those with qualifying
conditions.
You must meet the SSA’s requirements for disability, including having a
condition that has lasted, or is going to last at least 12 months, or that is
likely to be terminal. You are allowed to apply online, but you need detailed
medical documentation to maximize your chances of approval.
Bottom line
When you make your retirement
plan, make sure you research all of the different Social Security benefits
available to you. Widows and widowers have already lost millions, and the
research has made clear that many people don’t understand the benefits available
to them.
These benefits provide much-needed income in your senior years, allowing you to
retire with more financial security and truly enjoy your life after leaving the
workforce behind for good.
The Social Security Administration has benefits guides to review, and a
financial advisor may also be a good resource to turn to to truly understand all
the benefits you may be able to claim. Use these resources to avoid missing out.
Subscribe Today
Unlock the Best Banking Deals and Bonuses
From high-yield savings accounts to cashback checking and sign-up bonuses, we bring you the best banking offers to grow your money smarter.
Author Details
Christy Rakoczy Bieber
Christy Rakoczy Bieber is an attorney turned personal finance writer who has spent 17 years helping readers understand Social Security: the claiming rules, the policy shifts, and the fine print that can mean thousands of dollars in lifetime income. Her work has appeared in Kiplinger, Forbes, The Motley Fool, and the Wall Street Journal.
