Present Condition Regarding Social Security Spouse And Survivor Benefits



When Social Security was established back in 1935 it was usual for women to reside in home to raise the family. In most families the husband was the major earner or the only earner in the household. Furthermore, women statistically outlive men, particularly if the wife is younger compared to the husband.

The combination of lower or no income and a longer life span implied many women found themselves in poverty at the time their husbands died, as their husband's Social Security retirement benefits expired at their death. The Social Security Board recognized the problems that women face and have adopted several changes to the system over the years to account for these requirements.

One important amendments to the Social Security system was to enable women to apply for benefits at 62 in place of waiting until 65 under the assumption that they were younger than their spouses and that they would like to retire at the same time.

Then in 1939 two other categories of benefits were included: Social Security survivor benefits and dependent benefits (payable to the spouse and minor kids of retired employees).

These modifications transformed Social Security from a retirement plan that only paid benefits to retired employees into a family-based program, where spouses and children are able to receive benefits of retired, disabled or departed workers. This was a tremendous help to women who were not eligible for retirement benefits on their own, or who had considerably smaller benefits than their husbands.

Today, although it's not strange for women to earn as much or greater than their husbands, they however may take time off to look after families, and they still statistically live longer than their spouses. Moreover, the number of divorced women attaining retirement age is higher than it has ever been. As a result of of this, a number of women still receive Social Security spousal benefits or survivor benefits rather than benefits according to their own work period.

So it's necessary for women - no matter what their relationship status is - to learn the spousal and survivor benefits available to them as well as the retirement benefits so they can enjoy the maximum benefits they are eligible to.

Get Ready For Retirement-Start Saving Toady
Getting ready for retirement is a lot harder than it used to be. Companies no longer offer pensions and many are reducing or eliminating matching contributions to 401K plans. In addition, Social Security benefits are expected to be smaller and you may have to wait longer to collect them.

Social Security Eligibility: What Are The Requirements For A Homemaker To Qualify For Social Security?
When Social Security was first established, most families only had one bread-earner, and only the working spouse qualified for retirement benefits. This caused financial difficulties for the spouse who didn't work (and therefore didn't qualify for Social Security) if the working spouse passed away first.

The Best Way To Apply For Social Security Benefits
Social Security was originally created to provide retirement benefits to workers, but the program has grown tremendously and now Social Security provides disability benefits, death benefits and other family benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

3 Key Reasons To Use A Fee-Only Financial Experts
There are three different types of financial advisors: the commission broker who sells a product for a commission, the fee-based advisor who provides investment management for a percentage of the assets invested, and the fee only financial planner who provides a comprehensive financial plan for an hourly fee.

Using Government Grants To Upgrade And Improve Your House.
Being on the property ladder whether renting or owning your own home it can be a very expensive ordeal.

So How Exactly Does Pay Day Loans Help.
Have you ever found yourself in an emergency situation? Do you require a substantial amount of money fast but don't know where to get it? Payday loans may be just the thing you need.

Social Security Benefits: A Useful Discussion On Terms To Get The Benefit & Methods To Get After A Family Member's Death
The loss of a family member can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. Social Security is meant to be a survivor program as well as a retirement program. Most people are aware of Social Security retirement benefits, but are you aware that there are Social Security death benefits as well?

Find Out How To Apply For Social Security
If you areapproaching retirement, you are probably already looking into how to apply for Social Security benefits. Generally, you can apply once you are within 120 days of your 62nd birthday. There are several things you should know to make the application process as smooth as possible.