Social Security: SSA Notes 8 Ways to Receive Additional Benefits
Social Security is best known for paying retirement benefits you earned during your working life, but it pays much more than that to eligible Americans. Depending on your income and family status, you might qualify for everything from spousal or child benefits to veteran’s benefits.
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As the Social Security Administration noted on its website, it’s not unusual for circumstances to change after you apply or became eligible for benefits. If you or a family member receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, certain life changes might make you eligible for bigger payments.
To find out if you or a family member might qualify for an additional benefit based on another person’s work — or a higher benefit based on your own work — you can use the Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool.
Here’s a look at eight circumstances that could increase your benefits, according to the SSA.
Your Spouse or Ex-Spouse has Died
The death of a spouse or ex-spouse might make you eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on the spouse’s work. This is the case even if you are already receiving a survivor benefit on another spouse.
You Receive SSI and Have a Parent Who is Deceased or Getting Social Security Benefits
This applies if you are unmarried and under age 18 or were disabled prior to age 22. If your parent is deceased or receiving Social Security, you might be eligible for child benefits based on your parent’s work.
Death of a Child Who Helped Support You
If your deceased child had enough work credits and provided at least half of your support, you might be eligible for a higher parent’s benefit based on their work.
Extra Benefits Based on Spouse’s Work and Your Work
Even if your benefits are based on a spouse’s work, you might be eligible for a higher retirement benefit based on your own work as well.
Benefits Based on Ex-Spouse’s Work
If you are at least 62 years old and unmarried, you might be eligible for a benefit based on a former spouse’s work if that marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Spousal Benefits Based on Child Status
You might be eligible for a spouse’s benefits if you care for a child who is under age 16 or disabled prior to age 22.
Military Veterans Receiving SSI or Social Security Benefits
If you served in the U.S. military, you might be eligible for benefits through the Veterans Administration. Visit this link for more information: http://www.va.gov/
Your Income has Declined or You’ve Experienced a Loss in Financial Resources
In this case, you might qualify for additional income through SSI, which helps seniors and the disabled who have limited income and financial resources.
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For more information on how you might qualify for additional Social Security benefits, visit this SSA site.
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