Most Americans know the Social Security Administration (SSA) pays monthly benefits to millions of retired American workers. But did you know that Social Security benefits go beyond the money that ends up in your bank account?
The SSA actually offers many other perks that can help retired workers stretch their retirement savings. Keep reading to learn about 12 Social Security perks you should start taking advantage of today.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Access to your earnings history
Your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings history, which means the SSA maintains a record of your earnings history from your first job to your last.
This easily accessible history ensures you can find salary information whenever you need it. It can be helpful to look at the history from time to time to make sure it is accurate and that you will get the benefits to which you are entitled once you retire.
Help enrolling in Medicare
You become eligible for Social Security at 62 and Medicare when you turn 65.
There can be good reasons to delay filing for Social Security beyond 62. However, most Americans will want to apply for Medicare as soon as they are eligible.
The Social Security Administration’s website can help you do just that. Filing an application through the site should take 10 minutes or less, according to the SSA.
Fast-track disability claims
Even if you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, it can take months to get the money you need. The SSA helps speed up the process for Social Security recipients via its Compassionate Allowances program.
If you file a Social Security Disability Insurance claim due to one of the 280 conditions listed in the program, the SSA will fast-track your application to help you get money as quickly as possible.
Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card
There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Online calculators
A successful retirement requires financial planning. The SSA hosts free online calculators that help you estimate everything from your monthly benefits check to the right age at which to retire.
Access to lower-cost medications
You will likely need more prescription medications as you age, and those costs can add up fast.
Thanks to a program called Extra Help — which is offered by the SSA alongside the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — low-income retirees may qualify for additional savings that make prescriptions more affordable.
Trending Stories
A ‘representative payee’ option
As you get older, disability or illness may keep you from managing your finances.
If you can’t take care of your own Social Security benefits check, the SSA can appoint a “representative payee” who manages money in your stead. This can be a family member or friend or someone from an organization that offers this help.
Legal aid and meal referrals
Finding affordable, senior-focused legal and financial aid can be a struggle, especially if you are not sure where to start looking.
Fortunately, you can visit your local Social Security office to discuss referrals to nearby programs that support seniors, such as legal help and meal delivery services.
Career development services
If you rely on Social Security Disability Insurance but want to re-enter the workforce, the SSA’s Ticket to Work program can connect you with free services such as career counseling and job placement.
Translation and interpretation help
If you prefer to communicate in a language other than English, the Social Security Administration offers free translation and interpretation services so you can discuss Social Security-related issues in your native language.
Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an interpreter.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Assistance for those working in foreign countries
The U.S. has agreements with more than two dozen other countries to help ensure U.S. citizens living and working in foreign countries don’t have to pay taxes toward retirement benefits twice — once for U.S. taxes and once for the retirement program in the country where you are working.
Proof of Social Security income
Whether you are applying for a loan or considering buying a house, you might need to provide proof of income to get a favorable rate.
If you are receiving Social Security income, you can log on to your SSA account to quickly look up your income and provide proof of benefits.
Benefits for grandchildren
Are you financially supporting any dependent grandchildren? If you are the primary provider for a dependent grandchild, they may qualify for survivor or dependent benefits once you retire.
Note that if you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you become responsible for a dependent grandchild, you will likely have to legally adopt that child in order for them to qualify for benefits.
Bottom line
Receiving a monthly Social Security benefits check is an essential way to eliminate some money stress so you can better enjoy retirement.
But don’t sleep on the host of other ways the Social Security Administration can help you meet your financial, lifestyle, and happiness goals in this new phase of your life.
These free services are just waiting for you to use them. While you can access most of them online, you can also reach out to your local Social Security office for help getting started.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details