In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the question of whether stay-at-home moms are eligible for Social Security benefits. We will dive into the details of various scenarios and provide essential information to help you understand the Social Security system as it pertains to stay-at-home moms.
If you are also asking the question, “Do stay at home moms get Social Security?”, this guide can help answer this and explain how social security works for stay-at-home moms.
Social Security is a federal program in the United States that provides financial support to retirees, disabled individuals, and their families. It is funded through payroll taxes, which are collected from both employees and employers. When an individual has earned enough credits through their work history, they become eligible for Social Security benefits.
Eligibility For Stay-At-Home Moms
For stay-at-home moms who have not accumulated enough work credits to qualify for Social Security benefits on their own, there are still options for receiving benefits. These benefits are mainly available through their spouse’s work history.
Spousal Benefits
Stay-at-home moms can potentially receive Social Security benefits through their spouse’s work record. This is called the spousal benefit, and it can provide up to 50% of the spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA) to the stay-at-home mom. To qualify for this benefit, the following criteria must be met:
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The stay-at-home mom’s spouse is already receiving Social Security benefits.
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The stay-at-home mom is at least 62 years old or caring for a child who is under 16 years old or disabled.
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The stay-at-home mom has been married to their spouse for at least one year.
Divorced Spouse Benefits
If a stay-at-home mom is divorced but was married for at least 10 years, she may still be eligible for spousal benefits based on her ex-spouse’s work history. The eligibility criteria are:
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The stay-at-home mom is at least 62 years old
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The ex-spouse is eligible for Social Security benefits
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The stay-at-home mom is currently unmarried
Survivor Benefits
In the unfortunate event that a stay-at-home mom’s spouse passes away, she may be eligible for survivor benefits. These benefits can provide financial support to the surviving spouse, as well as any qualifying children. Survivor benefits are calculated based on the deceased spouse’s earnings and can be up to 100% of their PIA.
Eligibility For Survivor Benefits
To be eligible for survivor benefits, a stay-at-home mom must meet the following criteria:
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The deceased spouse had earned enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits.
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The stay-at-home mom is at least 60 years old (50 if disabled) or caring for a child who is under 16 years old or disabled.
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The stay-at-home mom has not remarried before the age of 60 (50 if disabled).
Benefits For Children
Stay-at-home moms with minor or disabled children may also receive additional benefits on behalf of their children. These benefits are available if the child is:
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Under 18 years old
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18 or 19 years old and still attending high school
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18 or older with a disability that began before age 22
The child’s benefits are generally up to 50% of the working parent’s PIA.
Applying For Benefits
Stay-at-home moms who believe they qualify for Social Security benefits should apply as soon as they meet the eligibility requirements. Applications can be submitted online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. When applying, be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or birth certificates for children.
So, do stay at home moms get Social Security? While stay-at-home moms may not have earned enough work credits to qualify for Social Security benefits on their own, they can still access benefits through their spouse’s work history or as a survivor. Understanding the eligibility criteria for spousal benefits, divorced spouse benefits, and survivor benefits is essential for stay-at-home moms who want to ensure they receive the financial support they deserve.
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