While many know that Social Security provides retirement benefits to those 62 and over, there is far more to the program than what’s commonly known by much of the public. Since its creation 89 years ago, this program has been about helping Americans in more ways than most people are familiar with.
Some surprising and lesser-known Social Security programs are available in the US, offering various benefits and assistance. Administered by the Social Security Administration, these programs are still funded through payroll taxes and the Social Security trust fund, but most people don’t even know they exist.
7. Child Benefits
The child benefits program is one of the oldest programs related to Social Security.
Child-in-Care benefits are another lesser-known Social Security program available to any individual caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child of any age. First introduced in 1939, the program only supports around 100,000 recipients yearly, and this benefit is often overlooked due to the specific requirements necessary to participate.
Key Requirements
With benefits up to 50% of the PIA, taking advantage of this plan should be more common.
With the ability to receive, on average, between $800 and $1,200 in benefits, there is no question that more people should try to qualify. To take advantage of this, you must be married or divorced to a worker eligible for Social Security and care for their disabled child before age 22 or a child under 16. Benefits are up to 50% of the worker’s PIA and are paid independently from other family benefits that might be eligible.
6. Divorced Spouse Benefits
Even if a marriage breaks down, Social Security benefits may not.
While it’s more well-known that a surviving spouse can receive the Social Security benefits of a deceased spouse, divorced spouse benefits are much less notable. Available since 1965, it’s estimated that only 300,000 recipients take advantage of this program, which can boost financial security with up to 50% of the ex-spouse’s primary insurance amount.
Great for Benefits
The qualifications for this program are fairly easy if you have been married for at least 10 years.
It’s not unheard of for divorced spouses to receive, on average, an additional $1,000 in monthly payments, which can provide a strong lifeline to divorced spouses with limited savings. The caveat is that you must have been married for 10 years and have old records around both marriage and divorce.
5. Parents’ Benefits
The parents’ benefit is another program that flies under the Social Security radar.
Yet another lesser-known program that often goes under the radar, parents’ benefits can provide monthly payments to dependent parents of a deceased Social Security-covered worker. These payments support parents who relied on their child for at least half of their financial support. This is undoubtedly one of the most overlooked Social Security programs, with more than 1,000 parents receiving it annually.
Eligibility Requirements
This program could go a long way to helping children and parents alike.
To qualify for this program, the parents must be 62 and over, unmarried, and dependent on at least 50% of the deceased’s benefits for support. The deceased must have been fully qualified for Social Security with at least 40 quarters of benefits, and the parents can not be eligible for higher benefits based on their own working record.
4. Disabled Adult Child
This benefit from Social Security is definitely underused.
For a family with a disabled adult child, the Social Security Administration assists with benefits to unmarried adults before age 22. If the disability persists beyond 22, payments can continue for lifelong needs, which is notable for a program that currently supports around 1 million recipients. Enacted in 1956, this has become a critical income source as part of the Social Security Administration for disabled adults who are often overlooked.
Key Considerations
There are multiple disabilities that qualify for this benefit from Social Security.
According to the Social Security Administration, the DAC benefit offers up to 50% of a parent’s living Primary Insurance Amount or 75% of a deceased parent’s PIA. The most common disabilities include autism and cerebral palsy. A family can apply for these in some cases and, based on average earnings, receive monthly benefits between $800 and $1,500 to help cover living costs.
3. Lump-Sum Death Payment
The lump-sum death payment isn’t much, but it is something.
Run by the Social Security Administration, the Lump-Sum death payment is a one-time payment of $255 to a surviving spouse or eligible children. The caveat is that this payment is only handed out to the family of a deceased Social Security-covered worker and is designed to help cover any funeral or related costs. This is one of the oldest Social Security programs that is still in existence.
Limited Help Amount
There is no question this payment level needs to be raised.
Considering the average funeral cost can range between $5,000 and $10,000, the $255 amount, which has been unchanged for decades, obviously offers limited help. There is no question that inflation has eroded how much help this dollar amount can provide in 2025. Still, you can apply for Social Security on the website, by phone, or at a local office with a death certificate and proof of relationship to the deceased.
2. Special Minimum Benefit
The Special Minimum Benefits seeks to help low-income earners.
If someone has a long career in a low-income job, they may be eligible for a Special Minimum Benefit from the Social Security Administration. Using the Primary Insurance Amount formula, this 1972 program targets domestic workers and farmworkers with at least 11 years of coverage and earnings above $17,370 as of 2025.
Calculating Benefits
The Special Minimum Benefit can make a big difference in how someone lives.
Acting as a critical safety net for these low-income earners, at max value, you can receive up to $1,050 monthly for 30 years as of 2025. This benefit is adjusted for inflation, and it’s only paid if it exceeds the standard Primary Insurance Amount for each individual to help a low earner stay above the poverty line. For most people, a benefit amount is likely around $200 – $300 until they hit 30 years of earnings.
1. Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security Income is among the most essential, lesser-known Social Security benefits.
Known as Supplemental Security Income, the SSI program from the Social Security Administration is designed to provide monthly cash payments to low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged. This program has been in place since 1974, and applicants must be U.S. citizens with an income below $11,604 annually or $17,400 for couples.
Key Considerations
SSI payments aren’t high, but they can go a long way to helping someone stay above the poverty line.
If you meet the qualifications for this program, you can receive federal payments starting at $484 for “essential individuals” monthly or $1,450 for couples. The program’s payment amount is designed to work within strict income and resource limits, which can reduce payments. You can apply for this program at a Social Security office if you have proof of income, monthly resources, and medical documentation.
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