You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive.
We base Social Security credits on the amount of your earnings. We use your earnings and work history to determine your eligibility for retirement or disability benefits or your family's eligibility for survivors benefits. We cannot pay benefits if you don't have enough credits.
Social Security's special minimum benefit pays at least $49.40 per month in 2023 and $50.90 in 2024. Social Security's special minimum benefit tops out at $1,033.50 per month in 2023 and $1,066.50 in 2024. You'll receive 100% of the benefit if you file at full retirement age or later.
People over 65 years old with 40 work credits qualify for premium-free Medicare. Individuals with fewer work credits can pay a monthly premium for Medicare coverage. In many instances, people may wish to sign up for Part A when they become eligible for Medicare, even if they do not qualify for premium-free Part A.
But even if you never worked and therefore don't have an earnings record, you're not necessarily out of luck. If you're married (or were married) to someone who's entitled to Social Security, you can collect spousal benefits equal to 50% of your husband or wife's benefits at full retirement age.
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
There is no fixed minimum benefit for those with 40 credits, as the amount is calculated based on the average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) over your 35 highest-earning years. For those with low lifetime earnings, there is a special minimum benefit.
If your spouse dies, do you get both Social Security benefits? You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement. If you qualify for both survivor and retirement benefits, you will receive whichever amount is higher.
Have you heard about the Social Security $16,728 yearly bonus? There's really no “bonus” that retirees can collect. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula based on your lifetime earnings to determine your benefit amount.
Without meeting the required number of credits, you may not be able to graduate on time, which can be frustrating and disappointing. In addition to the delay in graduation, not meeting the credit requirements may also affect your eligibility for financial aid or scholarships.
Those with a bad social credit score receive penalties in the form of things like loan denials, restricted travel, or even public shaming. For citizens, “good” actions could include donating blood or donating to charity, while “bad” actions could be things like driving while intoxicated.
Earn 40 credits to become fully insured
You can work all year to earn four credits ($6,920), or you can earn enough for all four in a much shorter length of time. If you earn four credits a year, then you will earn 40 credits after 10 years of work.
Definition. Lawful permanent residents who have worked or can be credited with 40 qualifying calendar work quarters under the Social Security Act are potentially eligible to receive public benefits.
Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security. American expatriates retiring in certain countries—and some retired immigrants to the U.S.—can't collect Social Security benefits. Divorced spouses married for fewer than 10 years cannot claim benefits based on the earnings of their ex-spouse.
Just because you don't bring home a paycheck doesn't mean you're not working. A stay-at-home parent can get a Social Security check just like any other worker.
Spouses and ex-spouses
Payments start at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply. For example, you might get: Over 75% at age 61.
Ninety-five percent of never-beneficiaries are individuals whose earnings histories are insufficient to qualify for benefits. Late-arriving immigrants and infrequent workers comprise the vast majority of these insufficient earners.
When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify. The number of credits does not affect the amount you receive but just your eligibility status. To qualify, you need “40 credits” or 10 years of work.
Social Security minimum benefit policies
Under current law in 2023, the Social Security special minimum benefit is $1,033.50 per month for workers with 30 years of coverage, scaling down to $49.40 for workers with 11 years.
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to age 70, your benefit amount will increase.
How do you get $144 added back to your Social Security check every month? If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with a Part B giveback benefit, the plan reduces the amount deducted from your Social Security check for Medicare Part B, which could add up to $144 back to your check each month.
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance)
You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: • You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).