Social Security is often the primary income source for elderly Americans, yet many families don't fully understand the benefits available. Beyond basic retirement, there are spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and other provisions that can significantly impact your parent's income.
Your parent can check their benefits at ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If they're not yet receiving benefits or aren't receiving all they're entitled to, there may be options to increase income.
Retirement Benefits
When Benefits Begin
- Age 62: Earliest you can claim (reduced benefits)
- Full Retirement Age (FRA): 66-67 depending on birth year
- Age 70: Maximum benefit (delayed credits)
Impact of Claiming Age
- Claiming at 62 reduces benefits by up to 30%
- Each year you delay past FRA increases benefit by 8%
- Maximum increase by waiting until 70
- No additional increase after 70
How Benefits Are Calculated
- Based on highest 35 years of earnings
- Years with no earnings counted as zero
- Self-employment counts if taxes were paid
- Adjusted for inflation
Before full retirement age, earning over a certain amount reduces benefits temporarily. In 2025, the limit is approximately $22,000 per year. After FRA, there's no earnings limit.
The equipment that changes the most
Most of what caregiving costs is time. These four are the purchases that reliably buy some of it back, and they are the ones families tell us they wish they had bought sooner.
Drive Medical Hydraulic Patient Lift
A full lift is what makes one person able to manage a transfer alone. It is the single purchase that most often delays a move into residential care.
Check price on Amazon →
EZ-ACCESS Singlefold Wheelchair Ramp, 6 ft
Folds like a suitcase and carries in a car boot, so the same ramp handles the front step at home and the kerb at an appointment.
Check price on Amazon →
Drive Medical Nitro Rollator with Seat
The seat matters more than the wheels. Being able to stop and rest is what decides whether someone still goes out at all.
Check price on Amazon →
Vive Stand Assist Rail for Couch or Chair
Getting out of a low sofa is where most falls at home start. This is the cheapest thing on the list and often the first one needed.
Check price on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Researched guidance, not medical advice. Prices change, so check before buying.
Spousal Benefits
For Married Couples
- Lower-earning spouse can receive up to 50% of higher-earning spouse's benefit
- Must be at least 62 years old
- Higher-earning spouse must have filed for benefits
- Spousal benefit may be higher than own benefit
Divorced Spouse Benefits
- Can claim on ex-spouse's record if marriage lasted 10+ years
- Must be unmarried
- Must be at least 62
- Ex-spouse doesn't need to have claimed yet
- Doesn't affect ex-spouse's benefit
Survivor Benefits
For Widows and Widowers
- Can receive up to 100% of deceased spouse's benefit
- Available starting at age 60 (reduced)
- Full benefit at survivor's full retirement age
- May switch to survivor benefit if higher than own
Key Considerations
- Remarriage before 60: Loses eligibility (unless that marriage ends)
- Remarriage after 60: Can still collect survivor benefits
- Claiming strategy: May be able to take own benefit first, then switch to survivor
Many widows and widowers receive less than they should because they don't understand their options. Review benefit amounts for both own and survivor benefits, you can switch to the higher amount.
Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Who Qualifies
- Unable to work due to disability
- Disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security
What Caregivers Should Know
- SSDI converts to retirement benefits at full retirement age
- Medicare becomes available 24 months after SSDI approval
- Can receive while also receiving some other benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is different from Social Security, it's need-based assistance:
- For people with limited income and resources
- Available to disabled, blind, or 65+ individuals
- Not based on work history
- Federal benefit with some state supplements
- 2025 maximum federal rate: approximately $943/month
Income and Asset Limits
- Countable resources under $2,000 (individual)
- Home and one vehicle usually excluded
- Strict income limits
Medicare and Social Security
Automatic Enrollment
- If receiving Social Security at 65, automatic Medicare enrollment
- Medicare card arrives about 3 months before 65th birthday
- Part B can be declined if other coverage exists
Premium Deductions
- Medicare Part B premium deducted from Social Security
- Part D premium can also be deducted
- Premium increases affect net Social Security payment
Managing Social Security
Representative Payee
If your parent can no longer manage their finances:
- Apply to become Representative Payee
- Receive and manage their benefits on their behalf
- Must use funds for their needs
- Must file annual accounting
- Different from Power of Attorney (SSA doesn't recognize POA)
Direct Deposit
- Required for most beneficiaries
- Safer than paper checks
- Can change bank accounts online
Address and Name Changes
- Report address changes promptly
- Can update online, by phone, or in person
- Medicare may have different requirements
Create an account at ssa.gov to view benefit amounts, change address, replace Medicare card, and more. You may need to help your parent set this up.
Common Issues and Solutions
Benefits Seem Low
- Check if claiming spousal or survivor benefits is advantageous
- Review work history for errors
- Some military service or railroad work has different rules
Overpayment Notice
- SSA sometimes overpays and requests repayment
- Can request reconsideration if you disagree
- Can request waiver if repayment causes hardship
- Can set up payment plan
Benefits Stopped
- May need to update living situation
- Review for required reporting you may have missed
- Contact SSA immediately to resolve
Taxes on Social Security
- Up to 85% of benefits may be taxable
- Depends on total income
- Some states also tax Social Security
- Can request tax withholding from benefits
Getting Help
- SSA website: ssa.gov
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213
- Local office: Find at ssa.gov/locator
- SHIP counselor: Free Medicare/Social Security help
- Legal aid: For appeals and complex issues
Benefits Tracking Tools
Our Caregiver Kit includes benefit tracking worksheets and a guide to maximizing Social Security income.
Get the Complete Caregiver Kit- Check if spousal or survivor benefits are higher than own benefits
- Widows/widowers have options to maximize benefits
- Divorced spouses may claim on ex-spouse's record
- SSI is available for those with limited income/assets
- Representative Payee is required to manage someone else's benefits
- Create a my Social Security account to manage benefits online
- Social Security may be partially taxable