There are specific situations where individuals who have never worked can still receive benefits
Social Security serves as a financial safety net for millions of Americans, providing income during retirement, disability, or the loss of a family breadwinner. A common question that arises is, “Can you get Social Security if you never worked?” While traditional Social Security benefits are based on work history, there are specific situations where individuals who have never worked can still receive benefits. This guide explores these options, eligibility requirements, expert opinions, case studies, and emerging trends in Social Security regulations.
Understanding Social Security Eligibility
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits based on personal work history, an individual typically needs to earn 40 credits, which equates to about ten years of work. However, if a person has never worked or lacks sufficient credits, they might still qualify for benefits through other means.
Spousal Benefits: A Lifeline for Non-Working Spouses
One primary way individuals who never worked can receive Social Security is through spousal benefits. If a person is married to someone who qualifies for Social Security, they may be eligible to receive up to 50% of their spouse’s benefit amount. The exact percentage depends on the age at which they begin claiming benefits.
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Example Scenario
Jane dedicated her life to raising children and managing the household, never working outside the home. Her husband, John, worked for 40 years and qualifies for a monthly Social Security benefit of $2,000 at full retirement age. If Jane waits until her full retirement age to claim spousal benefits, she will receive $1,000 monthly, which is 50% of John’s benefit. However, if she starts benefits at age 62, her benefit will be reduced.
Can You Get Social Security If You Never Worked? Benefits for Divorced Spouses
Many people assume you must have your own work history to collect Social Security, but that’s not always the case. If you were married to someone who earned enough work credits, you may qualify for benefits based on their record — even after a divorce — provided you meet certain conditions.
Eligibility Rules for Divorced-Spouse Benefits
If you never worked or didn’t earn enough credits, you can still receive Social Security on an ex-spouse’s record if:
- Your marriage lasted at least ten years before the divorce.
- You are currently unmarried.
- You are age 62 or older.
- Your ex-spouse is eligible for Social Security retirement or disability benefits, even if they haven’t started receiving them.
- The benefit you’d receive on your own record is less than the benefit you’d receive from your ex-spouse’s record.
If your ex has not yet applied for benefits, you must have been divorced for at least two years before you can claim.
How Much You Can Receive
If you apply at your full retirement age, you can receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement benefit amount. Filing earlier, starting at age 62, results in a reduced percentage — around 32.5% — with the percentage increasing each month you wait until full retirement age.
Your benefit does not reduce or affect what your ex-spouse, their current spouse, or any other former spouses receive.
Survivor Benefits After an Ex-Spouse Passes Away
If your ex-spouse dies, you may be eligible for divorced-spouse survivor benefits, which can be higher than regular divorced-spouse benefits. These can be up to 100% of what your ex-spouse was entitled to receive, depending on the age you start claiming. Survivor benefits can begin at age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled. If you are caring for your ex-spouse’s child under age 16 or disabled, you may qualify at any age.
Example Scenario: Linda and Robert
Linda was married to Robert for 12 years before their divorce. She never worked and worried about her financial security. At age 62, Linda applies for benefits based on Robert’s work record.
Because she meets all the eligibility rules, Linda can receive divorced-spouse benefits. Since she is claiming at age 62, she will get around 32.5% of Robert’s full retirement benefit amount. If she waits until her full retirement age, she could receive the full 50%.
If Robert passes away in the future, Linda could switch to survivor benefits, which could increase her monthly amount — possibly up to Robert’s full benefit.
Summary Table
| Requirement | Linda’s Situation |
|---|---|
| Marriage lasted at least 10 years | Yes — 12 years |
| Currently unmarried | Yes |
| Age 62 or older | Yes — 62 |
| Ex-spouse eligible for benefits | Yes |
| Divorce 2+ years ago if ex not filed | Yes |
| Own benefit lower | Yes — no work history |
| Benefit at 62 | ~32.5% of Robert’s full benefit |
| Benefit at full retirement age | 50% of Robert’s full benefit |
| Survivor benefit possible | Yes — up to 100% of Robert’s benefit |
Survivor Benefits: Financial Support After Loss (Updated for 2026)
When a working spouse passes away, the surviving spouse may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits—even if they never worked—provided the deceased earned enough Social Security work credits and the marriage met eligibility requirements. In 2026, survivor benefits can range from about 71.5% to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit amount. The full 100% is available if the surviving spouse waits until their Full Retirement Age (typically 66 to 67, depending on birth year).
Survivors can begin collecting benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), but claiming before Full Retirement Age permanently reduces the monthly payment. If the surviving spouse is caring for the deceased’s child who is under 16 or disabled, benefits may be available regardless of age.
A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 may also be paid to an eligible surviving spouse who was living with the deceased at the time of death. Remarrying before age 60 can affect eligibility, although remarriage after age 60 generally does not prevent survivor benefits.
Example Scenario
After her husband Mark passed away, Emily—who never worked—became eligible for survivor benefits based on Mark’s earnings record. Because Mark paid Social Security taxes and earned enough work credits, Emily could start benefits at age 60 at a reduced rate. If she waits until her Full Retirement Age, she can receive up to 100% of Mark’s monthly benefit amount, providing greater long-term financial security.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Financial Assistance for Non-Workers (2026 Update)
For individuals who have never worked and do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial support based strictly on financial need—not work history. SSI is available to people who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled and who have limited income and limited resources.
As of 2026, the maximum federal SSI payment is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for an eligible couple (amounts may be slightly higher in states that add a state supplement). To qualify, countable resources generally must not exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple, excluding certain items such as a primary home and one vehicle.
SSI recipients are typically eligible for Medicaid in most states, and many may also qualify for additional assistance such as SNAP (food benefits). However, SSI payments can be reduced if the person has other income, receives free housing, or gets in-kind support from others.
Example Scenario
Tom, a 67-year-old man, never worked due to a long-term disability. With no substantial income and minimal assets, he applied for SSI. After meeting the age and financial eligibility requirements, he began receiving monthly federal SSI payments to help cover essentials like housing, food, and utilities. Because SSI does not require prior work credits, it provided Tom with a vital safety net despite his lack of employment history.
How Social Security Works for Those Who Never Worked
If you never worked, here are the key ways to access Social Security benefits:
| Type of Benefit | Eligibility Requirement | Potential Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Spousal Benefits | Married to a qualified spouse | Up to 50% of spouse’s benefit |
| Divorced Spouse Benefits | Marriage lasted at least 10 years | Up to 50% of ex-spouse’s benefit |
| Survivor Benefits | Deceased spouse was eligible | Up to 100% of deceased spouse’s benefit |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Low income and assets | Based on financial need |
Expert Opinions on Social Security Eligibility
Financial advisors and retirement planners consistently emphasize that individuals without a work history should not assume they are automatically ineligible for Social Security benefits. While traditional retirement benefits require earning sufficient work credits, experts note that spousal benefits, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can provide meaningful financial support to non-working individuals.
Retirement planning professionals often point out that many households overlook these options. As one retirement planning expert explains, “Many people assume that if they never worked, they won’t qualify for Social Security. However, spousal, survivor, and SSI benefits provide crucial support for those without work history.”
Experts also stress the importance of timing. Claiming survivor or spousal benefits too early can permanently reduce monthly payments, while waiting until full retirement age can significantly increase lifetime income. In addition, financial advisors recommend reviewing eligibility rules carefully—particularly for divorced spouses, widows or widowers, and individuals with limited income who may qualify for SSI.
Overall, professionals encourage individuals to consult with a Social Security representative or a certified retirement planner before making claiming decisions, since the rules surrounding age, marital status, disability status, and income limits can substantially affect benefit amounts.
Recent Legislative Changes and Emerging Trends
Recent developments in Social Security policy and proposals in Congress reflect growing attention to retirement security and economic needs. Lawmakers and advocacy groups have increasingly pushed for higher Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit levels to better match the rising cost of living, especially for older adults and people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. There have also been discussions about modernizing eligibility rules for spousal and survivor benefits—such as removing certain age-based reductions or simplifying the claiming process—to make benefits more accessible and equitable for low-income couples and non-workers who rely on these supports. Additionally, proposals to adjust the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) aim to ensure that annual benefit increases more accurately reflect the expenses faced by retirees, particularly for healthcare and housing.
Although not all proposed changes have been enacted into law, emerging trends show a policy focus on strengthening the Social Security safety net, expanding benefit adequacy, and addressing long-term program solvency. Stay tuned to legislative updates, as these proposals continue to evolve and may affect future benefit eligibility and payment amounts.
Key Takeaways for Non-Working Individuals
- Claiming Spousal Benefits: Married individuals can receive up to 50% of their spouse’s benefits.
- Divorced Spouses’ Rights: Those divorced after 10+ years of marriage can still claim benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record.
- Survivor Benefits Provide Security: Widowed spouses can receive up to 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefits.
- SSI Offers an Alternative: Low-income individuals without work history may qualify for monthly payments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How does Social Security work if you didn’t work?
A: If you never worked, you may still qualify for Social Security through spousal, survivor, or SSI benefits.
Q: Can a person who never worked collect Social Security?
A: Yes, individuals can receive benefits through a spouse’s work record, survivor benefits, or SSI.
Q: How do people who never worked get SSI?
A: SSI is available to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Q: What happens if you don’t have enough credits for Social Security?
A: Without enough work credits, you won’t qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, but may still be eligible for spousal or SSI benefits.
Final Thoughts: Can You Get Social Security If You Never Worked?
While traditional Social Security is based on work history, various programs allow non-working individuals to receive benefits. Whether through spousal, survivor, or SSI benefits, financial assistance is available for those who meet the criteria.
Share your thoughts on Social Security eligibility in the comments below.