7 Overlooked Ways You Can Collect Social Security (And Other Benefits)

Social Security can provide a critical financial lifeline for retirees and those with disabilities. A total of 73 million people in the U.S. received benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) programs in January.

Most people know that you can file for Social Security benefits at age 62. But folks often overlook the many other ways to qualify for new benefits — or to enhance the benefits they already receive.

So, before you start looking for new ways to supplement your Social Security, see if you can qualify for better benefits via one of these overlooked ways to collect Social Security and maximize your benefits.

Survivor benefits are paid to a surviving spouse, child, or dependent parent.

Typically, if your spouse or ex-spouse died, you may be able to claim a higher survivor benefit based on their work record. Spouses and ex-spouses can apply for benefits if they are at least 60 years of age or between the ages of 50 and 59 with a recognized disability.

In addition, you must have been married for at least nine months before the spouse's death. If you were divorced, you must not have remarried before the age of 60 or age 50 for those with a disability.

Survivor benefits may also be paid to a child or dependent of a person who paid Social Security taxes before their death.

Payments start at 71.5% of the spouse's benefit, but can increase the longer you hold off from applying. Children generally get 75% of their parents' benefits. So, applying for survivor benefits can be a good way to boost your bank account.

The parent's benefit is a form of survivor benefits that applies to the parent, not the child. You may be eligible for a parent's benefit if you were financially dependent on an adult child who has died.

For example, if you lived within the home of and were financially dependent on your adult child, and that child subsequently passed away, you may qualify for a parent's benefit.

Eligible parents must be at least 62 years of age. You must be able to document your financial dependence on your child prior to the child's death.

An ex-spouse can claim benefits in some situations. To qualify, you must be at least age 62 and currently unmarried. In addition, you must have been married to your ex-spouse for at least 10 years.

If you subsequently married, you cannot claim benefits on your ex-spouse's record unless your second marriage is now over through annulment, divorce, or death.

If you didn't earn enough work credits on your own to qualify for Social Security, you may be able to seek benefits on your spouse's work record.

The spouse who wants to claim a spousal benefit must be 62 years of age or older or have a qualifying child in his or her care.

You may be eligible to receive a benefit equivalent to one-half the amount your spouse would be eligible for at full retirement age.

The child of someone who died might qualify for Social Security benefits if they're currently unmarried and are 17 or younger, ages 18 to 19 and in school full-time (up through grade 12), or have developed a disability at age 21 or younger.

There are some limited situations in which the Social Security Administration pays benefits to married children, adopted children, stepchildren, and grandchildren.

Supplemental Social Security Income — often called SSI — is another program that the SSA administers. You might qualify if you have little or no income and other resources.

In addition, you must be 65 years of age or older, blind, or disabled.

This is not an example of directly applying for Social Security benefits, but rather of getting an additional benefit if you already collect Social Security.

Those who served in the U.S. military and receive either Supplemental Security Income or Social Security benefits might be eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

To find out if you are eligible, call 800-698-2411.

By planning for retirement now — including how much support you may receive from Social Security or other financial resources — you gain the insight you need to make better decisions for your future.

Don't overlook the ways on this list to bolster your Social Security benefits and to take advantage of other programs.