As a stay-at-home mom, your days are packed with caregiving, managing the household, supporting your partner, and nurturing your children. While your work doesn’t come with a traditional paycheck, it’s some of the most valuable labor there is. But what does that mean for your future financial security—especially when it comes to Social Security?
Many stay-at-home moms wonder how they’ll qualify for Social Security benefits if they haven’t paid into the system through traditional employment. The good news? There are still several Social Security options available that can provide support and security in retirement.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
Understanding Social Security Basics
Social Security is a federal program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to qualified individuals. To be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, a person generally needs to earn 40 credits, which usually equals about 10 years of work. As of 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in earnings, up to four credits per year.
For stay-at-home moms who are not working outside the home, this can present a challenge. However, you are not entirely left out.
Understanding Social Security for Stay-at-Home Moms
So, here’s the scoop: Social Security isn’t just for the nine-to-fivers. As stay-at-home moms, we contribute to the household in countless ways, and that contribution extends to Social Security benefits.
How It Works: Credits and Eligibility
Social Security benefits are based on credits earned through work. The good news? You don’t need to have a traditional job to earn these credits. Your contributions to the household are recognized, and you can accumulate credits toward Social Security eligibility.
Social Security options for Stay-at-Home Moms
1. Spousal Benefits: A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Hidden Gem
Even if you’ve never worked outside the home, you may be eligible to receive Social Security spousal benefits based on your spouse’s work record.
- Eligibility: You must be at least 62 years old, and your spouse must already be receiving retirement or disability benefits.
- Benefit Amount: You can receive up to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement benefit.
- You don’t lose anything: Claiming spousal benefits doesn’t reduce your spouse’s monthly benefit.
- Important Note: If you claim before your full retirement age (currently 66 or 67 depending on your birth year), the amount you receive will be reduced.
2. Divorce and Social Security: What You Need to Know
If you are divorced, you may still be entitled to benefits based on your ex-spouse’s work record if:
- Your marriage lasted at least 10 years.
- You are currently unmarried.
- Your ex-spouse is eligible for Social Security.
- You are at least 62 years old.
This benefit does not impact your ex-spouse’s benefit or their new family.
3. Child-in-Care Benefits: Supermom Double-Dip
Here’s a super perk for stay-at-home moms with young superheroes at home. If you have a child under 16 and are caring for them, you may be eligible for child-in-care spousal benefits, even if your spouse hasn’t claimed Social Security yet.
4. Survivor Benefits: A Shield for Superhero Families
In the face of life’s uncertainties, Social Security offers survivor benefits. If the unthinkable happens and your spouse passes away, you and your children may be eligible for survivor benefits. It’s a financial shield for superhero families.
5. Earning Your Own Work Credits:
If you had part-time or full-time jobs before becoming a stay-at-home mom, you may have already earned credits toward your own Social Security retirement.
- You need 40 credits (typically 10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits under your own record.
- These credits do not expire, so past employment can still count.
You can check your current credit status by creating an account at SSA.gov.
6. Coordinating Benefits with Your Spouse:
Coordinating Social Security benefits with your spouse can be a strategic way to maximize overall household income during retirement. Understanding the timing of when each spouse claims benefits can impact the total amount received over time.
7. Disability Benefits
If you were working and paying into Social Security before becoming a stay-at-home mom, and you become disabled, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
This depends on:
- How many work credits you’ve earned.
- The severity of your disability.
- Whether it meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
8. Plan Ahead with Your Partner
For stay-at-home moms, retirement planning is a family decision. Since you may not be earning an income, it’s vital to:
- Coordinate with your spouse to ensure your Social Security benefits are maximized.
- Look into Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) such as a spousal IRA, where a working spouse contributes to a retirement account on behalf of the stay-at-home partner.
- Talk to a financial advisor to explore savings options tailored to your family.
When to Claim: The Supermom Strategy
Timing is everything. While you can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, waiting until your full retirement age can maximize your benefits. It’s like saving up your superhero powers for the grand reveal!
Can stay-at-home moms get Social Security?
Yes, stay-at-home moms can potentially receive Social Security benefits, but the eligibility and amount of benefits depend on various factors. Here’s how:
- Spousal Benefits: If a stay-at-home mom is married to someone who is eligible for Social Security benefits, she may be entitled to receive spousal benefits. This is typically up to 50% of the spouse’s benefit amount, even if she has little or no work history. The spouse must be eligible for Social Security benefits for the stay-at-home mom to qualify for spousal benefits.
- Divorced Spousal Benefits: If a stay-at-home mom is divorced but was married for at least ten years and remains unmarried, she may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on her ex-spouse’s work record. This is known as divorced spousal benefits.
- Child-in-Care Benefits: Stay-at-home moms with young children may qualify for child-in-care spousal benefits, even if their spouse has not claimed Social Security yet. This benefit is available if the child is under 16 and the stay-at-home mom is caring for them.
- Survivor Benefits: In the unfortunate event of a spouse’s death, a stay-at-home mom may be eligible for survivor benefits. Survivor benefits provide financial support to the surviving spouse and dependent children.
It’s crucial for stay-at-home moms to understand the specific eligibility criteria, as well as the timing for claiming benefits. The age at which benefits are claimed can affect the amount received. Additionally, Social Security rules and regulations may change, so it’s advisable to check with the Social Security Administration or consult a financial advisor for the most up-to-date information based on individual circumstances.
So, superhero moms, the verdict is in: Social Security benefits are indeed within our reach. Whether through spousal benefits, child-in-care perks, or survivor benefits, it’s time to navigate this financial landscape with confidence. Your superhero contributions deserve to be acknowledged, and Social Security is here to recognize them.
Remember, knowledge is our greatest superpower. Explore the possibilities, understand the nuances, and make informed decisions that empower your superhero journey. Social Security benefits are not just a safety net; they’re a recognition of the incredible work you do every day. Onward, superhero moms—the financial world awaits!
Organize Your Social Security Journey with These Amazon Picks
1. Budget Planners & Financial Journals
Help moms keep track of their income, expenses, savings, and retirement goals.
- Clever Fox Budget Planner – Monthly financial tracker with goal setting and debt tracker
- Erin Condren Financial Planner – Stylish, compact, and perfect for home budgeting
- Smart Planner Budget Book – Great for one-income households managing every dollar
2. Filing & Document Organizers
Ideal for storing Social Security statements, tax forms, spousal benefit records, and retirement documents.
- Amazon Basics Expanding File Folder – 13 pockets for neatly organizing important paperwork
- Fireproof Document Organizer Bag – Protects key documents like marriage certificates and Social Security records
- Binder with Plastic Sleeves – Keep printed statements, application forms, or planning worksheets in order
3. Retirement & Finance Books
Educate and empower SAHMs with personal finance knowledge.
- Smart Women Finish Rich by David Bach – A classic, easy-to-read guide tailored for women
- The Index Card by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack – Simple and actionable personal finance advice
- The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins – Great introduction to investing and financial independence
4. Tech Tools for Productivity and Research
Help moms manage their planning and stay organized digitally.
- USB Flash Drive or External Hard Drive – Back up retirement plans and important documents
- Calculator with Large Display – Useful for planning, budgeting, or calculating benefit estimates
- Laminator Machine – Keep checklists, Social Security timelines, or benefits cheat sheets neat and reusable
5. Desk & Workspace Organizers
Create a peaceful, efficient corner for financial planning or handling retirement paperwork.
- Desktop Organizer with Drawers – Tidy up your planning space
- Planner Desk Calendar – Keep track of deadlines, appointments, and savings goals
- Comfortable Chair Cushion – If you’ll be spending time researching Social Security options online
✨ Bonus: For Peace of Mind
- Personal Safe Box with Digital Lock – Store Social Security cards, birth certificates, and marriage documents securely at home.