Social Security Benefits for Family Members
If your elderly parent is getting Social Security retirement benefits, some members might also be able to receive benefits. Those who can include:
- Spouses who are age 62 or older
- Spouses who are younger than 62, if they are taking care of a child who is under age 16 or disabled
- Children up to age 18, or up to 19 if they are full-time students who have not yet graduated from high school
- Disabled children, even if they are age 18 or older
Spouse's Benefits
A spouse who has not worked or who has low earnings can be entitled to as much as one-half of the retired worker's full benefit. If one spouse is eligible for both his/her own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, Social Security pays the spouse's own retirement benefits first. If that person's benefits as a spouse are higher than their own retirement benefits, they will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
If your parent has reached your full retirement age, and is eligible for a spouse's or ex-spouse's benefit and their own retirement benefit, they may choose to receive only spouse's benefits and continue accruing delayed retirement credits on their own Social Security record. They may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher monthly benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits.
Retirement Benefits for Widows and Widowers
Widows and widowers can begin receiving Social Security benefits at age 60, or at age 50 if they are disabled. And they can take a reduced benefit on one record and later switch to a full benefit. For example, a woman could take a reduced widow's benefit at 60 or 62 and then switch to her full (100 percent) retirement benefit when she reaches full retirement age. The rules vary depending on the situation, so talk to a Social Security representative about the options.
Divorced Spouses
Divorced spouse can get benefits on your Social Security record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. The divorced spouse must be 62 or older and unmarried.
Estimate the Social Security Benefits You'll Receive
To estimate the social security benefits you are entitled to, visit the Online Retirement Estimator.
The Social Security Administration is the division within the U.S. that oversees and administers social security benefits. For more information, visit
www.Socialsecurity.gov