Some Retirees May Be Eligible for an Additional Federal Payment Alongside Social Security

Social Security is often the main monthly check retirees depend on, but it may not be the only federal benefit available. In some cases, you could qualify for another payment that adds to what you already receive.

Many retirees never explore further because they assume Social Security is the full extent of their benefits. For the right person, however, a review of available options could uncover hundreds of extra dollars each month and ease pressure on a retirement budget.

Here are three programs worth checking before assuming you cannot receive more.

SSI may provide an additional monthly check for some retirees

If your Social Security income is limited, you may qualify for extra help through Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This federal program supports people age 65 and older with limited income and savings, and unlike Social Security retirement benefits, it does not require a work history.

The maximum federal SSI payment is $994 per month for an individual or $1,491 for an eligible couple. You may be able to receive SSI in addition to Social Security, although the amount depends on your other income.

Your savings and other countable resources generally also must stay below these limits:

• $2,000 if you are single
• $3,000 if you are married and living with your spouse

Your home and one vehicle usually do not count toward those limits, and some money reserved for burial expenses may also be excluded. If your Social Security check is small and your savings are modest, it is worth seeing whether SSI could boost your income.

A spousal benefit can be worth up to half of your partner's benefit

If your own retirement benefit is low, or if you did not work long enough to earn much of one, you may be able to claim benefits on your spouse's record instead. This is known as a spousal benefit, and it can equal as much as half of what your spouse receives at full retirement age.

For instance, if your wife's full retirement benefit is $2,200 a month, you could be eligible for as much as $1,100 in spousal benefits.

To receive the maximum amount, you generally need to wait until your own full retirement age, though you can start as early as 62 if you are willing to accept a smaller monthly payment. Your spouse generally must also be receiving Social Security benefits before you can collect on their record.

If you already receive Social Security based on your own work record, that does not mean you get a separate full payment from your spouse. Instead, Social Security typically pays your own benefit first and then adds a spousal amount if you qualify, bringing your total up to the higher amount.

If you are divorced, your marriage lasted at least 10 years, and you have not remarried, you may also be able to claim benefits on an ex-spouse's record without reducing what they or their current spouse receives.

Widows and widowers may be entitled to a larger monthly benefit

If your spouse has died and earned enough Social Security credits, you may qualify for a survivor benefit based on their record. The amount depends on when you claim:

• At age 60: You can generally begin survivor benefits, but you would receive about 71.5% of your late spouse's benefit.
• At your survivor full retirement age: Usually between 66 and 67, you could receive up to 100%.
• If you are already receiving Social Security: Like spousal benefits, you would generally receive whichever amount is higher rather than two separate checks.

Eligible surviving spouses may also receive a one-time $255 death payment, which generally must be claimed within two years. If your late spouse was an ex, you could still qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, even if you remarried at age 60 or older.

What affects how much extra you can actually receive

SSI can raise your Social Security income, but you will not necessarily get the maximum amount. The payment depends on how much income you already have, including your Social Security benefits.

With survivor benefits, you may be able to collect based on your late spouse's record while allowing your own retirement benefit to keep growing. In some cases, you could later switch to your own benefit at 70 if it would provide a larger monthly check.

There is also an exception to the usual age rules for spousal and survivor benefits. If you are caring for your spouse's or late spouse's qualifying child who is under 16 or disabled, you could qualify at any age.

How to check eligibility and apply

Social Security offers a free eligibility screening tool on SSA.gov, but the application process depends on the benefit you are seeking:

• Spousal benefits: You may be able to apply online through SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
• Survivor benefits: Applications are not currently accepted online, so you will need to call to apply.
• SSI: You can check your eligibility online, though you may need to finish the application by phone or at a local Social Security office.

Keep your birth certificate and any relevant marriage records available, along with details about your income and savings if you are applying for SSI.

Bottom line

SSI, spousal benefits, and survivor benefits can all increase your monthly income if you meet the requirements, even if you are already collecting Social Security. Applying is free, and a Social Security representative can help you understand which benefits you may qualify for and how much you could receive.

One of the easiest mistakes to make in retirement is assuming you already get everything you are entitled to, when a simple review could show otherwise.

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