When people think about Social Security, the first thing that comes to mind is retirement. The second is disability. But, our agency is so much more. We have tools, information, and services to help secure today and tomorrow for your employees and their families.
When you start receiving Social Security benefits, certain members of your family may also qualify for benefits on your record. Benefits may be paid to:
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Your spouse — To qualify for benefits, your spouse must be age 62 or older or be taking care of your minor child. We may ask for proof of marriage, and dates of prior marriages, if applicable.
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Your children — To qualify for benefits, your eligible child can be your biological child, adopted child or stepchild. We’ll need their Social Security numbers and birth certificates.
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Your adult child disabled before age 22 — To qualify for children’s benefits under our disability program, your disabled adult child must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disabled. A person is disabled under the Social Security Act if he or she can’t work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or result in death.
- Your divorced spouse — If you are divorced, even if you have remarried, your ex-spouse may qualify for benefits on your record. If you have a divorced spouse who qualifies for benefits, it will not affect the amount of benefits you or your family may receive.
The benefit amount your family is eligible for depends on your average lifetime earnings. The more you earned, the more your family’s benefits will be. Your employees can visit our Benefits Planner to help them better understand Social Security’s family benefits as they plan for their financial future. This information is also valuable when tragedy strikes.
When you work, some of the Social Security taxes you pay now go toward survivors benefits for workers’ families. In the event of your death, certain family members — widows, widowers (including your divorced spouse), children and dependent parents — may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security’s survivors benefits may be more valuable than your individual life insurance. Your employees can learn more about survivors benefits by visiting https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/.
Your employees can also check their Social Security Statement to see an estimate of their future retirement and survivors benefits. You can create a secure my Social Security account to access your Social Security Statement online anytime.
Our website has a wealth of resources for your employees to find information about all the benefits Social Security offers and to learn how we’re with you throughout life’s journey. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ today and learn more.
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