Social Security is part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker. If your elderly parent was in the workforce (even part time for very low wages) for at least 10 years, they are likely eligible for some Social Security retirement benefits. And if either spouse in a married couple worked for wages, or was self-employed and paid taxes, then both of them are likely eligible for some type of Social Security benefits.
Overview: Eligibility for Social Security Benefits
There are a number of ways that elders can be eligible for Social Security benefits. Here are the criteria to determine whether or not your elderly parent can receive Social Security:
- An elderly person who worked for at least 10 years
- If that person is married, then the spouse is eligible for dependents benefits once the spouse turns age 62.
- If your elderly parent was in the workforce, but became disabled before he/she reached full retirement age, then he/she might eligible for disability benefits. If they are eligible, then that person's spouse is eligible for dependent benefits at 65 or possibly as early as age 62.
- If both spouses worked for at least 10 years, then each is eligible for their own Social Security retirement benefits, as well as dependents benefits from their spouse's Social Security.
- If a person is eligible for more than one Social Security benefit, he/she cannot collect both. That person collects the higher of the two.
- If a spouse who is eligible for retirement or disability benefits dies, then the surviving spouse is probably eligible for survivor benefits starting as early as age 60.
How Much Will Your Parent get from Social Security?
The benefit payment is based on how much your parent earned during their working career. Higher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits. If there were some years when they did not work or had low earnings, the benefit amount may be lower than if they had worked steadily. The amount is also is affected by the age at which your parent retired. Those who retire at age 62 (the earliest possible retirement age) the benefit will be lower than if they waiting longer to retire.