Retirement Social Security

7 Overlooked Ways You Can Collect Social Security (And Other Benefits)

Get the most from Social Security benefits so you can maximize your quality of life and financial well-being.

US quarters growing with compound interest
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Social Security can provide a critical financial lifeline for retirees and those with disabilities. A total of 70.6 million people in the U.S. received benefits from Social Security Administration (SSA) programs in 2022.

Most people know that you can file for Social Security benefits at age 62. But folks often overlook the many other ways to qualify for new benefits — or to enhance the benefit you already receive.

So, before you start looking for new ways to supplement your Social Security, see if you can qualify for better benefits via one of these overlooked ways to collect Social Security and maximize your benefits.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10K to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds, see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

Survivor benefits

Lane Erickson/Adobe Social Security Statement for Retirement Planning

Survivor benefits are paid to a surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent.

Typically, if your spouse or ex-spouse died, you may be able to claim a higher survivor benefit based on their work record. Spouses and ex-spouses can apply for benefits if they are at least 60 years of age, or between the ages of 50 and 59 with a recognized disability.

In addition, you must have been married for at least nine months before the spouse’s death. If you were divorced, you must not have remarried before the age of 60 or age 50 for those with a disability.

Survivor benefits may also be paid to a child or dependent of a person who paid Social Security taxes before their death.

Payments start at 71.5% of the spouse’s benefit but can increase the longer you hold off from applying. Children generally get 75% of their parent’s benefit. So, applying for survivor benefits can be a good way to boost your bank account.

Parent’s benefit

anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Son and father saving money together

The parent’s benefit is a form of survivor benefits that applies to the parent, not the child. You may be eligible for a parent’s benefit if you were financially dependent on an adult child who has died.

For example, if you lived within the home of and were financially dependent on your adult child, and that child subsequently passed away, you may qualify for a parent’s benefit.

Eligible parents must be at least 62 years of age. You must be able to document your financial dependence on your child prior to the child’s death.

Benefits from an ex-spouse

LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS/Adobe couple at table with divorce documents

An ex-spouse can claim benefits in some situations. To qualify, you must be at least age 62 and currently unmarried. In addition, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.

If you subsequently married, you cannot claim benefits on your ex-spouse’s record unless your second marriage is now over through annulment, divorce, or death.

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 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% 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.

Click here to apply now.

Spousal benefits

Cavan/Adobe couple holding hands at family therapy

If you didn't earn enough work credits on your own to qualify for Social Security, you may be able to seek benefits on your spouse’s work record.

The spouse who wants to claim a spousal benefit must be 62 years of age or older or have a qualifying child in his or her care.

You may be eligible to receive a benefit equivalent to one-half the amount your spouse would be eligible for at full retirement age.

Child benefit

Mathias Rosenthal/Adobe Child Benefit note on note book

The child of someone who died might qualify for Social Security benefits if they're currently unmarried and are 17 or younger, ages 18 to 19 and in school (up through grade 12), or have developed a disability at age 21 or younger.

There are some limited situations in which the Social Security Administration pays benefits to married children, adopted children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Supplemental Social Security Income

JJ Gouin/Adobe Social security card with 100 dollar bill

Supplemental Social Security Income — often called SSI — is another program that the SSA administers. You might qualify if you have little or no income and other resources.

In addition, you must be 65 years of age or older, blind, or disabled.

Veterans benefits

Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe veterans benefits Book on flag

This is not an example of directly applying for Social Security benefits but rather of getting an additional benefit if you already collect Social Security.

Those who served in the U.S. military and receive either Supplemental Security Income or Social Security benefits might be eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

To find out if you are eligible, call 800-698-2411.

Bottom line

JohnKwan/Adobe Social Security cards on retirement income

By planning for retirement now — including how much support you may receive from Social Security or other financial resources — you gain the insight you need to make better decisions for your future.

Don’t overlook the ways on this list to bolster your Social Security benefits and to take advantage of other programs.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

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 and Drawbacks
Card Details


Author Details

Sandy Baker

Sandy Baker is a has over 17 years of experience in the financial sector. Her experience includes website content, blogs, and social media. She’s worked with companies such as Realtor.com, Bankrate, TransUnion, Equifax, and Consumer Affairs.