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Social Security has three main benefit programs. The most well-known is the Retirement Benefit for individuals who worked and paid into Social Security. Even if you did not work under Social Security, you may still be eligible for benefits as a Spouse, Ex-Spouse, or Survivor.

Spousal Benefit

If you are married and never worked under Social Security, at your full retirement age you would be eligible to receive up to one-half of your spouse’s full Retirement Benefit amount, or even a reduced benefit as early as age 62. To the extent you have any work history, you would receive the higher of the two.

Ex-Spousal Benefit

In general, if you are divorced and never worked under Social Security, you may be eligible to receive Retirement Benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work history if: you were married at least 10 years, you never remarried, and you are age 62 or older. If one-half of your ex-spouse’s Retirement Benefit is higher than yours, you would receive the higher of the two.

Survivors Benefit

If you are a widow(er) and have children under age 18 (or age 19 in secondary school), you and each of your children may be eligible for survivor benefits. Your age and whether you have qualifying children at the time of your spouse’s death determines the amount of Survivor Benefit you can receive, which ranges between 71.5% and 100% of your spouse’s full Retirement Benefit at the time of death. Each qualifying child can receive up to 75% of the deceased parent’s full Retirement Benefit.

There is a limit on the combined monthly benefit amount a family can receive. It is typically equal to 150% and 180% of the deceased parent’s full Retirement Benefit at the time of their death. If the total amount payable to all eligible family members is greater than the limit, the monthly benefit amount is reduced proportionately.

If you are a widow(er) with no children and never worked under Social Security, you may be eligible to receive reduced Survivor Benefits as early as age 60 vs. the early retirement age of 62. Remarrying after you turn 60 has no effect on survivor benefits.

The Bottom Line

Your Social Security statement outlines your benefits based solely on your work history. At the end of the day what type and amount of benefit you receive ultimately depends on your specific situation and how you qualify.

Disclosures