Do You Get Social Security If You Never Worked?

Social Security is a program often associated with contributions from employment. While an individual’s own work record primarily determines eligibility, it is also possible for those with no or limited work history to qualify for benefits. These “auxiliary” or “derivative” benefits are based on the earnings record of another person, such as a spouse, former spouse, or parent. This system offers a safety net for dependents, acknowledging support extends beyond direct contributions.

Benefits Based on a Spouse’s Work Record

Individuals can qualify for Social Security benefits based on a living or deceased spouse’s work record. For current spouses, eligibility begins at age 62, provided the working spouse is already receiving retirement or disability benefits. If the spouse claimant is caring for a qualifying child under age 16 or a disabled child receiving Social Security benefits, they may qualify at any age. The maximum spousal benefit can be up to 50% of the working spouse’s full retirement age benefit. Claiming spousal benefits does not reduce the working spouse’s own benefit amount.

Divorced individuals may also be eligible for benefits based on a former spouse’s earnings record. To qualify, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, the divorced claimant must be unmarried, and at least 62 years old. The former spouse must be eligible for or already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

If the former spouse is not yet claiming benefits, the divorce must have occurred at least two years prior for the claimant to receive benefits without the former spouse claiming. The benefit amount for a divorced spouse is also up to 50% of the former spouse’s full retirement age benefit. If an individual has their own work record, they will receive the higher of their own earned benefit or the spousal benefit.

Benefits for Survivors

Social Security also provides benefits to survivors of a deceased worker. A surviving spouse, or widow/widower, can receive benefits if they are at least age 60, or age 50 if disabled. The marriage needs to have lasted for at least nine months. A surviving spouse can receive 100% of the deceased worker’s benefit if they claim at their full retirement age for survivor benefits. If claimed earlier, the benefit amount is reduced, potentially to between 71.5% and 99% of the deceased’s benefit.

Children of a deceased worker can also qualify for benefits, including biological, adopted, and stepchildren. These benefits are generally paid until the child reaches age 18, or age 19 if they are still a full-time student in elementary or secondary school. Children who were disabled before age 22 can receive benefits at any age, provided they remain unmarried or marry another disabled adult child. Each eligible child can receive up to 75% of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit.

Dependent parents of a deceased worker may also be eligible for benefits if they were receiving at least half of their support from the deceased worker at the time of death and are at least age 62. One eligible parent can receive 82.5% of the deceased worker’s full retirement or disability benefit, while two eligible parents can each receive 75%. A family maximum benefit exists, typically ranging from 150% to 180% of the deceased worker’s primary insurance amount, which can reduce individual benefits if the total exceeds this limit.

Benefits for Individuals with Disabilities

Individuals may qualify for Social Security benefits due to a disability through specific programs. Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB) are available to adults whose disability began before age 22. These benefits are paid based on the earnings record of a parent who is currently receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or who is deceased. To qualify, the individual must be unmarried, or have a protected marriage, and meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. This definition requires an inability to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months or result in death.

Another avenue for individuals with a disability is Disabled Widow/Widower Benefits (DWB). A disabled widow or widower can receive benefits as early as age 50. Eligibility for DWB is based on their deceased spouse’s record, provided their disability began within a specific timeframe of the spouse’s death. The benefit amount is generally 71.5% of the deceased spouse’s primary insurance amount if claimed between ages 50 and 59. These pathways provide support for those facing significant health challenges.

Applying for Benefits

The process of applying for Social Security benefits can be initiated in several ways. Individuals can apply online through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website, by calling the SSA’s toll-free number, or by visiting a local Social Security office.

When applying, certain documents and information are required to establish eligibility. These commonly include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees, if applicable. For survivor benefits, a death certificate is necessary.

Disability claims require medical records to prove the onset and severity of the impairment. After submission, the SSA processes the application, which may involve requesting additional information, and communicates decisions to the applicant.