Social Security in the United States is one of the most important tools for ensuring the economic well-being of millions of people, especially retirees. This program provides monthly benefits to those who have worked and contributed to the system throughout their working lives. However, many retirees are unaware that, in addition to retirement benefits, there are other benefits they can claim to supplement their income.
As people approach retirement age, it is important to be aware of all the options available within Social Security. Whether it is because they have worked for a long period of time or because of special situations such as disability, beneficiaries can access different benefits that are compatible with the retirement benefit.
Therefore, those who are not old enough to get monthly Social Security payments may be able to apply for other benefits that offer additional support. Below, we tell you which benefits are eligible to apply for before reaching the minimum retirement age of 62 and the general requirements that must be met to apply for them.
Benefits that are compatible with Social Security retirement benefits
There are several additional benefits that can be claimed before Social Security retirement, which means that retirees can apply for other helps without affecting their main payment. These benefits are designed to cover specific situations that may arise during the retirement years. Here are some of the most important ones and the general requirements to apply for them:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Social Security Disability Insurance is available to those who, due to a serious health condition, are unable to continue working. A retiree who suffers from a disability recognized by the Social Security Administration may be eligible to get SSDI in addition to his or her retirement payment. To be approved, the person must meet the following requirements:- Have worked long enough and accumulated sufficient credits in the Social Security system.
- Demonstrate a disability that prevents you from working for a minimum period of 12 months or more.
- Meet SSA medical and verification requirements.
- Spousal Benefits
Spouses of people who get Social Security retirement benefits can also apply for a share of the benefit, even if they do not have sufficient work history to qualify on their own. Requirements include:- The spouse must be at least age 62 to apply for the benefit.
- The amount the spouse can get is a percentage of the retired worker’s benefit, which can be as much as 50% if the spouse waits until full retirement age.
- If the spouse decides to retire before full age, the payment will be reduced.
- Survivors’ Benefits
When a Social Security beneficiary dies, certain family members may be eligible to get survivor benefits. These payments are designed to financially support the deceased’s dependents. Requirements include:- The surviving spouse must be at least age 60, or age 50 if disabled, to apply for benefits.
- Children under age 18 or disabled children may also be eligible.
- In some cases, dependent parents of the deceased may also apply for a portion of the benefit.
- Dependent Benefits
Children of Social Security retirement beneficiaries may also qualify to get a monthly payment until age 18, or older if they are disabled or attending high school. The requirements are:- The child must be under age 18, or in high school and under age 19.
- Disabled adult children can get benefits if the disability occurred before age 22.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Benefits
SSI is available to people with limited income and resources, and may be compatible with Social Security retirement benefits . To qualify:- Applicants must be age 65 or older, blind or have a disability.
- They must meet SSA’s low income and limited resource requirements.
In this way we could have the Social Security benefit without the need to reach the minimum age of 62. However, we must take into account all the requirements that the payments have before applying for them.