5 Overlooked Social Security Benefits You Should Be Taking Advantage Of

Many Americans are dangerously in the dark about Social Security benefits, and that confusion comes at a real cost. Research from Nationwide Financial found that 30% of adults do not know spousal benefits exist, and 50% incorrectly believe they cannot claim Social Security on an ex-spouse's work record, even when they are eligible.

Those knowledge gaps add up to billions in unclaimed income. If you are missing out, you could be passing up a more comfortable retirement simply because the Social Security system is so hard to navigate. Here are five benefits worth a closer look.

Social Security spousal benefits

Spousal benefits can equal up to 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount, which is the benefit they are entitled to at full retirement age. If the primary earner has already claimed their retirement benefits and you are at least 62, or you are caring for a qualifying child, you may be eligible to claim.

In most cases, you must have been married for at least a year, or have your spouse's child, to qualify. Unless you are caring for a qualifying child, claiming before your full retirement age will reduce the amount you receive. If you are married to someone who earned more than you, spousal benefits are worth investigating. You can apply online, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office.

Divorced spouses' benefits

Despite a common misconception, divorce does not automatically end your ability to claim spousal benefits. If you were married for at least 10 years before divorcing and you have not remarried, you can still claim on your former spouse's work record.

The benefit still equals up to 50% of your ex's primary insurance amount. As long as you have been divorced for at least two years, you do not have to wait for your ex to claim their own retirement benefits before you start. Your claim does not reduce your ex's checks, and they cannot stop you from claiming. As with other benefits, you can apply online, call Social Security, or visit a local office.

Social Security survivor benefits

Survivor benefits are available if your spouse died and you were married for at least nine months before the death. You can become eligible for these benefits at a younger age than for retirement benefits, as early as age 60, or sooner if you are caring for a minor or disabled child of the person who died.

These benefits are easy to overlook. The Inspector General found that the Social Security Administration failed to tell many widows they could claim survivor benefits while delaying their own retirement claim, a mistake that cost widows and widowers more than $113.8 million. To avoid the same fate, make sure you understand everything you qualify for. You will need to apply for survivor benefits at your local Social Security office, so call 1-800-772-1213 to set up an appointment.

Benefits for public service employees and their families

For years, the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset prevented many public service workers and their spouses from collecting Social Security. These rules reduced or eliminated benefits for workers who received a pension from a job where they did not pay Social Security taxes, even if they qualified for benefits from other work.

Both rules were repealed by the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law on January 5, 2025. Most affected people were automatically sent extra payments for the benefits they had missed. However, anyone who never applied for Social Security because they assumed they would be disqualified, and who is now eligible, must submit an application to the Social Security Administration online, in person, or by phone.

Disability benefits before full retirement age

Finally, if you become disabled before your full retirement age, Social Security Disability Insurance can provide income for those with qualifying conditions. This benefit is designed to support workers who can no longer earn a living before they reach retirement.

To qualify, you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, which includes having a condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months, or that is likely to be terminal. You are allowed to apply online, but you will need detailed medical documentation to give yourself the best chance of approval.

Bottom line

When you build your retirement plan, make sure you research every Social Security benefit available to you. Widows and widowers alone have already lost millions, and the research makes clear that most people do not understand the benefits within reach.

These benefits can provide much-needed income in your senior years, helping you eliminate some stress living on Social Security and retire with more financial security. The Social Security Administration publishes benefits guides you can review, and a financial advisor can be a valuable resource for understanding everything you may be able to claim. Use those resources so you do not miss out.

Editor's Note: Portions of this story were drafted with assistance from generative AI tools. All final creative decisions, edits, and fact checking were done by human writers and editors.

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