If you think you’ve squeezed every last drop out of your Social Security benefits, think again. For many Baby Boomers, retirement planning has centered around the basics, like when to start collecting checks and how to estimate monthly income. However, hidden within the Social Security system are lesser-known benefits that often go unclaimed, not because people don’t qualify but because they simply don’t know they exist. And those unclaimed dollars? They can add up to thousands over a lifetime.
Whether you’re already collecting Social Security or just starting to map out your retirement income, it pays (literally) to understand what you’re entitled to. Let’s uncover the seven Social Security benefits many Boomers are missing and how to make sure you’re not one of them.
1. Spousal Benefits That Don’t Require You to Be Married Anymore
Many retirees assume that spousal benefits only apply if you’re still married to your partner. But divorced Boomers may qualify, too, as long as the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you haven’t remarried before age 60. This benefit allows you to claim up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s benefit amount, potentially giving you a significant boost in income, especially if they earned more than you. The best part? It doesn’t reduce their benefits or even require their approval.
Still, this claim often gets overlooked. People either feel awkward bringing it up or don’t realize it’s a legal option. But it’s your right—and you don’t even need to be in contact with your ex to apply.
2. Survivor Benefits That Go Untouched for Years
If your spouse or ex-spouse has passed away, you may qualify for survivor benefits even if you’ve already been receiving Social Security under your own record. Survivor benefits are different from retirement benefits and can be higher, depending on your spouse’s earnings. If you qualify, you can choose to receive survivor benefits first and delay your own until they max out at age 70, giving you a larger check later.
Too many widows and widowers stick with their own reduced benefits out of habit or confusion, leaving thousands of dollars on the table over time. Survivor benefits can start as early as age 60 or age 50 if you’re disabled, but navigating the process can take persistence and paperwork.
3. Delayed Retirement Credits That Quietly Disappear
If you don’t need your benefits at age 62, waiting to file can increase your monthly payout significantly. In fact, for every year you delay past your full retirement age (up to age 70), you gain roughly 8% more. Yet a surprising number of Boomers don’t take advantage of this. Some aren’t aware of the increase, while others file early out of fear that benefits will vanish or Social Security will “go broke.”
But the math doesn’t lie: delaying, even by a year or two, can make a measurable difference in your long-term income. If you’re still working or can rely on other income sources, letting those credits pile up is one of the smartest moves you can make.
4. Child-in-Care Benefits Most Retirees Overlook
If you’re receiving Social Security retirement benefits and have dependent children under 18 (or under 19 if still in high school), they may be eligible for monthly payments of their own. This also applies to disabled children of any age, provided they became disabled before turning 22. Many older parents and grandparents raising grandchildren never realize these benefits exist.
These payments can add up fast, and they don’t reduce your retirement benefit. The government sets a family maximum, so your total benefit might be capped, but leaving this money untouched simply because you weren’t aware it existed is an all-too-common and expensive mistake.
5. Retroactive Benefits That Disappear if You Don’t Ask
If you delay filing past full retirement age and then decide to apply, you can request up to six months of retroactive benefits in a lump sum. That means you get a large check upfront, although your monthly payments will be slightly reduced because you’re being treated as though you filed earlier.
This option is useful for retirees who realize they need more immediate funds or change their retirement income strategy. But if you don’t ask for it, you won’t get it, and many retirees have no idea it’s available.
6. Benefits From Government Jobs (Even If They’re Reduced)
If you worked in a government job that didn’t pay into Social Security, you may think you’re completely out of the loop when it comes to benefits. While the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) do reduce some payments, they don’t always eliminate them entirely.
Some workers still qualify for partial benefits, and understanding how these formulas work can reveal hidden income. Unfortunately, misinformation causes many to assume they’re ineligible when they’re not. It’s always worth checking the math with a financial planner or the Social Security Administration.
7. Recalculations After Continuing to Work
Social Security isn’t a “set it and forget it” system. If you keep working after you start receiving benefits, your income could eventually lead to a recalculated and higher benefit amount. But you won’t get that bump automatically. It typically happens in the year after you earn more than in previous years used in your benefit calculation.
Many retirees don’t realize their earnings can still affect their monthly check. Staying in the loop and tracking your work history can help ensure you’re getting every dollar you deserve.
You Deserve to Collect Your Benefits
Navigating Social Security isn’t always intuitive, and for many Boomers, that’s the biggest challenge. Whether it’s lingering myths, confusing eligibility rules, or just assuming you’ve already gotten all you’re entitled to, the result is often the same: lost income. But these overlooked benefits aren’t obscure loopholes—they’re earned entitlements that could seriously improve your quality of life.
The good news? It’s not too late to claim them. The first step is awareness, followed by a call to the Social Security Administration or a conversation with a knowledgeable advisor. It might take a little paperwork, but the financial peace of mind is worth it.
Have you or someone you know discovered a Social Security benefit you didn’t even know you were entitled to? What surprised you most about the system?
Read More:
How Much Social Security Will You Actually Get When You Retire?
Are You At Risk Of Losing Your Social Security? Here’s What You Should Know
Riley Schnepf is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.
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