When Social Security was established back in 1935 it was normal for women to remain inside home to raise the family. In a large number of families the husband was the major earner or the only earner in the household. Additionally, women statistically survive longer than men, especially if the wife is younger compared to the husband.

The combination of lower or no earnings and a longer life span implied many women got themselves in poverty at the time their husbands expired, as their husband's Social Security retirement benefits expired at their death. The Social Security Board identified the challenges that women face and have adopted several changes to the system over the years to account for these needs.

One important amendments to the Social Security plan was to permit women to apply for benefits at 62 in place of waiting until 65 under the idea that they were younger than their husbands and that they would like to retire at the same time.

Then in 1939 two new categories of benefits were included: Social Security survivor benefits and dependent benefits (to be paid to the spouse and minor kids of retired employees).

These modifications converted Social Security from a retirement program that only paid benefits to retired employees into a family-based program, where spouses and children may receive benefits of retired, disabled or departed workers. This was an incredible help to women who were not eligible for retirement benefits on their own, or who had much smaller benefits than their husbands.

Today, even though it's not uncommon for women to earn as much or greater than their husbands, they still may take time off to look after families, and they still typically live longer than their spouses. Similarly, the number of divorced women attaining retirement age is higher than before. Because of this, a number of women still receive Social Security spousal benefits or survivor benefits instead of benefits depending on their own job period.

This is why it's essential for women - regardless of their marital status is - to learn the spousal and survivor benefits available to them along with the retirement benefits so they can enjoy the highest benefits they are eligible to.

How Social Security Spousal Benefits Work
Can a spouse collect on her husband's social security if she reaches retirement age before her husband? No. In order for a wife to collect Social Security benefits on her husband's earnings the following requirements must be met:

Social Security Eligibility Criteria: How Can A Full-Time Housewife Collect Social Security?
When Social Security was first established, most families only had one bread-earner, and only the working spouse qualified for retirement benefits. This caused financial difficulties for the spouse who didn't work (and therefore didn't qualify for Social Security) if the working spouse passed away first.

Social Security Benefits: Some Key Details On COLA
For the second year in a row people who rely on Social Security will not be receiving a cost of living increase. This is only the second time since the cost of living adjustment (COLA) was adopted that recipients have not received an increase.

How Are Financial Planners Remunerated? Which Type Of Financial Advisor Is Right For Me?
There are many different types of financial planners. Not only are financial advisors compensated differently, but the services they provide vary quite a bit as well. Here is a quick summary of the different types of financial advisors and how they can help you.

The Tips On How To Get Approval For Social Security Benefits
Social Security was originally created to provide retirement benefits to workers, but the program has grown tremendously and now Social Security provides disability benefits, death benefits and other family benefits in addition to retirement benefits.

How Are Social Security Benefits Calculated? Few Facts And Aspects Having Effect On The Benefits
One of the most popular Social Security questions that I hear from baby boomers getting ready to retire is "how are Social Security benefits calculated?" This is an important question because it could affect how long you need to work, whether you should continue to work during your retirement years

How You Will Go With Social Security Survivor Benefits After Your Spouse Passes Away
When Social Security was first established, it only paid retirement income to workers who qualified. It was later amended to include benefits for spouses and survivors, which made it more of a family or insurance plan, instead of just a retirement plan.

Learn The Best Way To Apply For Social Security
If you areapproaching retirement, you are probably already looking into how to apply for Social Security benefits. Generally, you can apply once you are within 120 days of your 62nd birthday. There are several things you should know to make the application process as smooth as possible.