It sometimes makes sense to file for benefits and then suspend them if you want benefits to keep growing until you are 70, Meyer says. Then if tragedy strikes, the retroactive claiming will be available as an option.

Another often misunderstood rule involves what are known as “mommy benefits,” Niemczyk says. A surviving spouse, who has a child under the age of 16 in his or her care can collect benefits for the child and can collect for herself as the caregiver. Different rules and age limits apply, depending on if the child is still in high school beyond the age of 16, but this is often “free money” that is available that is not claimed, Niemczyk says.

Even some of the better-known benefits that spouses or ex-spouses can claim can sometimes be overlooked.

“More then 80 percent of Americans miss out on spousal benefits because they do not know they exist,” Niemczyk says. “If you are like many Americans, you won’t know all the benefits you’re actually entitled to and, if you don’t claim them, you won’t get them.”

 

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