Did you forget to file for Social Security?

Many federal employees may not realize they are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. I recently spoke to a couple in their 70s about the husband’s upcoming retirement from federal service. He will turn 73 on his next birthday and has been receiving Social Security retirement benefits for a few years. When I asked if his wife was receiving benefits on his record or her own, she said she was not receiving any. She turned 70 in May, so I encouraged her to file online at www.ssa.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

Although she wasn’t eligible on her own work record, she qualifies for spousal benefits on her husband’s record. She can receive up to six months of retroactive benefits, but she could have been receiving the maximum benefit since her husband began collecting after she reached her full retirement age three years ago. Federal employees should remember there’s no reason to delay spousal benefits past your full retirement age, which ranges from 65 to 67 depending on your birth year (67 for those born in 1960 or later).

If a spouse qualifies for retirement benefits on their own earnings and that amount is higher than the spousal benefit, Social Security pays the higher amount. Otherwise, they pay the spousal benefit. A spouse must be at least 62 or caring for a qualifying child—a child under 16 or receiving Social Security disability benefits. The spousal benefit can equal up to half of the worker’s primary insurance amount, which is the benefit payable at full retirement age. Early claims reduce benefits, but spousal benefits for qualifying caregivers are payable at any age without reduction. More details and a calculator are available here on SSA.gov.

Federal employees have from age 62 to 70 to apply for Social Security benefits. Some don’t know how to apply or aren’t aware they’re eligible. Even those who work past 70 can receive benefits while employed. SSA allows up to six months of retroactive benefits for claims after full retirement age. Delayed Retirement Credits boost benefits up to age 70 at 8% per year, prorated monthly. Once you reach 70, there’s no additional increase for waiting.

SSA’s Office of the Inspector General found 129,585 beneficiaries who filed after age 70 from 2021 to 2023. About 88,000 could have received $1.5 billion if they filed at 70. In a sample of 184, each could have gained an average of $37,000 over 25 months.

SSA outreach shows that many federal retirees still miss benefits. Only 20% of Medicare-only beneficiaries over 70 filed within a year of receiving notices. Fact sheets are available through mySocial Security or by searching “Retirement Ready Fact Sheet for Workers age 70 and Up.”

Check your eligibility here on SSA.gov.

Benefits apply when you:

• Retire or leave federal service

• Reduce work due to disability

• Lose a spouse or are a qualifying child

• Need help paying for essentials like housing or food

Even among federal employees, early claims are common, but delays can increase benefits. Encourage colleagues, spouses, or yourself to contact Social Security if you haven’t claimed benefits by 70. The worst-case scenario is learning you’re not eligible; the best is gaining a substantial boost to retirement income.