Social Security Benefits You Might Be Missing

Key Takeaways

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers additional support for low-income seniors and disabled individuals
• Special programs exist for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses
• Delayed retirement credits can increase your benefit amount by up to 8% annually
• Working while collecting benefits may increase your future payment amounts
• Family members may qualify for benefits based on your work record

Understanding Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) stands as one of the most valuable yet underutilized Social Security boost programs available. This federal income supplement program is designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people who have little or no income by providing cash for basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter.

Unlike standard Social Security benefits, SSI eligibility isn't based on your work history. Instead, it examines your income and resources. In 2023, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible individual is $914 per month, while eligible couples can receive up to $1,371. Many states supplement these federal payments with additional funds.

To qualify, individuals must:

• Be 65 or older, blind, or disabled
• Have limited income and resources
• Be a U.S. citizen or meet specific requirements for non-citizens
• Reside in one of the 50 states, District of Columbia, or Northern Mariana Islands

The application process involves providing detailed financial information and medical documentation if applying based on disability. This program can work alongside traditional Social Security retirement benefits, potentially increasing your monthly income substantially.

Maximizing Spousal and Survivor Benefits

Many Americans don't realize that Social Security provides substantial benefits for spouses and survivors. These benefits can dramatically increase household income for families, particularly when one spouse had significantly higher earnings than the other.

Spousal benefits allow you to claim up to 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount if that amount exceeds what you would receive based on your own work record. This applies even if you never worked or paid into Social Security. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years old and your spouse must be receiving retirement or disability benefits.

Survivor benefits offer even greater support, providing eligible widows and widowers with 100% of their deceased spouse's benefit amount. These benefits extend to:

Even divorced spouses may qualify for these benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. Many people miss out on these benefits simply because they don't know to apply for them. The Social Security Administration doesn't automatically enroll eligible individuals, so taking the initiative to apply is essential.

Delayed Retirement Credits and Benefit Increases

One of the most powerful strategies for boosting Social Security benefits is delaying your claim beyond full retirement age. For each year you postpone receiving benefits (up to age 70), your monthly payment increases by approximately 8% through delayed retirement credits.

This strategy works particularly well for those who:

• Have other income sources during their 60s
• Are in good health and expect to live beyond the average life expectancy
• Want to maximize survivor benefits for a spouse

For example, someone with a full retirement age of 67 who would receive $2,000 monthly at that age could instead receive about $2,480 by waiting until age 70 – a 24% increase that continues for life.

Another lesser-known benefit boost comes from continuing to work while receiving Social Security. The Social Security Administration recalculates your benefit amount annually, and if your recent earnings are among your highest 35 years, your benefit amount may increase.

Additionally, Social Security benefits receive cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) annually based on inflation. These adjustments help maintain the purchasing power of your benefits over time. In recent years, these adjustments have been substantial – 5.9% in 2022 and 8.7% in 2023 – providing significant increases to beneficiaries.

Special Programs for Vulnerable Populations

Social Security offers several specialized programs designed to provide additional support to vulnerable populations. These programs often go unnoticed but can provide substantial financial assistance to those who qualify.

The Compassionate Allowances program expedites disability applications for people whose medical conditions are so severe they obviously meet disability standards. This program covers more than 250 conditions, including many cancers, adult brain disorders, and rare disorders affecting children.

For disabled workers, the Ticket to Work program provides opportunities to work while maintaining benefits. This program allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work while keeping their benefits and Medicare or Medicaid coverage, removing one of the major barriers to employment.

Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI payments based on their condition and their family's limited income and resources. When these children reach adulthood, they may transition to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits as an adult disabled since childhood on a parent's record.

Veterans may receive expedited processing of disability claims and, in some cases, can receive both VA benefits and Social Security disability benefits simultaneously. While the qualifying criteria differ between programs, the combined benefits can provide substantial financial support.

These specialized programs demonstrate Social Security's commitment to supporting those with the greatest needs. Awareness of these options is critical, as application processes can be complex and approval often requires detailed documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is needs-based and doesn't require work credits, while SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources, whereas SSDI is available regardless of your financial status if you've worked long enough.

Can I receive Social Security benefits while living abroad?

U.S. citizens can generally receive Social Security retirement benefits while living abroad. However, SSI payments cannot be received outside the U.S. There are restrictions for certain countries, and payments to non-citizens living abroad follow different rules.

How do I apply for Social Security boost programs?

Most applications can be started online at the Social Security Administration website (ssa.gov), by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. Different programs have different application processes, so check the specific requirements for the program you're interested in.

Will working part-time reduce my Social Security benefits?

If you're below full retirement age and earn above certain limits, your benefits may be temporarily reduced. In 2023, if you're under full retirement age, $1 in benefits is deducted for every $2 earned above $21,240. Once you reach full retirement age, your benefits are recalculated to give credit for months benefits were reduced.

Can family members receive benefits based on my record?

Yes, certain family members may qualify for benefits based on your record, including spouses, ex-spouses (if married for at least 10 years), children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school), and disabled adult children. Each family member may be eligible for up to 50% of your benefit amount, subject to family maximum limits.

Conclusion

Social Security offers much more than just the basic retirement benefit that most Americans know about. By understanding the full range of available programs and strategies, individuals can potentially increase their benefits by hundreds or even thousands of dollars each month.

The key to maximizing these benefits lies in education and planning. Many of these boost programs require specific application processes, and the Social Security Administration typically doesn't automatically enroll eligible individuals. Taking an active role in researching your options and applying for appropriate programs is essential.

Remember that eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application procedures change over time. Staying informed about these changes and consulting with knowledgeable advisors can help you navigate the complex Social Security system and access all the benefits you're entitled to receive.