In addition to retirement benefits, Social Security also provides benefits for spouses, dependent children, grandchildren and ex-spouses. Below is a brief summary of these benefits.
- Survivor’s Benefits. If your spouse has reached full retirement age by the time of your death, he or she will begin receiving Social Security benefits. If he or she has not reached full retirement age, they will only receive a percentage of benefits until they reach full retirement age.
- Spousal Benefits. Your spouse is entitled to one-half of your full PIA, or primary insurance amount, if he or she is 62 years old and is caring for any of your children who are 16 or younger.
- Divorced Spouses. If you and your ex-spouse were married for 10 years or longer, your ex-spouse is eligible to receive half of your PIA.
- Children’s Benefits. Children and grandchildren who are under 18, are under 19 but still in elementary/high school or are 18 and older and became mentally or physically disabled before age 22 are eligible for benefits.
The SSA website (www.ssa.gov) can provide more information on benefits for spouses and children.
