Social Security is a cornerstone of retirement planning for millions of Americans, providing essential income during retirement. However, not everyone is eligible to receive Social Security benefits.
Understanding the eligibility requirements and the types of people who may not qualify can help avoid surprises in retirement.
Here’s a breakdown of who is and isn’t eligible for Social Security benefits, including retirees, spouses, survivors, and those who may be excluded.
Who is Eligible for Social Security?
1. Workers with at Least 40 Social Security Credits
To qualify for Social Security, workers must accumulate 40 credits, which usually takes about 10 years of work.
In 2024, workers earn one credit for every $1,730 in income, with a maximum of four credits per year.
Only income subject to Social Security taxes counts toward these credits, so workers need to ensure they’re contributing appropriately.
2. Spouses of Workers Eligible for Social Security
Spouses of workers who have earned 40 credits can claim spousal benefits, even if they don’t have sufficient work history of their own.
Spousal benefits are typically up to 50% of the worker’s benefit. Divorced spouses are also eligible if they were married for at least 10 years and remain unmarried.
3. Widows and Widowers of Workers Eligible for Social Security
Surviving spouses can receive survivor benefits, which may be as high as 100% of the deceased spouse’s Social Security benefit. Widows and widowers can start claiming benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if they are disabled).
Divorced widows and widowers may also qualify if they were married for at least 10 years and meet other criteria.
Who Isn’t Eligible to Receive Social Security?
1. People Who Haven’t Worked for 10 Years
The most straightforward reason someone may not qualify for Social Security is a lack of work history. To be eligible, a worker must have contributed to Social Security for at least 10 years (earning 40 credits).
Those who have experienced long periods of unemployment or who immigrate to the U.S. later in life may struggle to meet this requirement.
2. Workers Who Don’t Pay Social Security Taxes
Certain government employees, such as state and local workers, may not pay into the Social Security system if their employer offers a pension instead. About a quarter of state and local government employees fall into this category.
If these employees do not work in jobs that require Social Security contributions, they may not qualify for benefits.
Similarly, self-employed individuals who underreport income or avoid paying self-employment taxes may not earn enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits.
3. Government Workers with Pensions
Government workers who do pay into Social Security through side jobs or past employment may still see their Social Security benefits reduced or eliminated because of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).
This rule reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who receive pensions from work not covered by Social Security, such as some federal, state, and local government positions.
4. Some Retirees Living Abroad
While U.S. citizens can generally receive Social Security benefits while living abroad, those living in certain countries cannot. Payments are not allowed for U.S. citizens living in:
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Cuba
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- North Korea
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Uzbekistan
However, if they move to a country where payments are allowed, their benefits will resume. Noncitizens may face additional restrictions, with payments potentially stopping if they live outside the U.S. for more than six months.
5. Incarcerated Individuals
Americans who are incarcerated for more than 30 days lose their Social Security benefits while in prison.
However, once they are released, their benefits can be reinstated. Spousal and dependent benefits continue unaffected during incarceration.
6. Individuals Who Die Before Age 62
The earliest age at which someone can begin claiming Social Security retirement benefits is 62. If a worker dies before this age, they won’t benefit directly from the system.
However, their spouse and dependent children may be able to claim survivor benefits based on the deceased worker’s earnings record.
How to Check Your Social Security Eligibility
The easiest way to determine whether you are eligible for Social Security is to create an account on the Social Security Administration’s website. Through this account, you can:
- Check how many credits you’ve earned.
- Review your earnings history.
- See your estimated retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
Keeping your earnings record accurate is crucial since Social Security benefits are calculated based on your work history. If you notice any inaccuracies, contact the Social Security Administration to correct them.
While most Americans will qualify for Social Security, certain groups, such as those with insufficient work history, government employees not covered by Social Security, and individuals living in restricted countries, may not be eligible.
It’s important to regularly check your eligibility and ensure your work history and contributions are accurately recorded, especially if you plan to retire abroad or have government pensions that could affect your benefits.
FAQs
What is the minimum work requirement for Social Security?
You need to earn 40 credits, typically through 10 years of work, to qualify for Social Security benefits.
Can government workers receive Social Security?
Some government workers do not pay into Social Security and may not be eligible. Those with pensions may see their benefits reduced due to the Windfall Elimination Provision.
Can I receive Social Security if I retire abroad?
Yes, U.S. citizens can generally receive benefits abroad, but some countries, such as Cuba and North Korea, restrict payments.
Are Social Security benefits available to divorced spouses?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and the spouse is unmarried, divorced spouses can claim spousal or survivor benefits.
What happens to my Social Security benefits if I’m incarcerated?
Social Security benefits are suspended after 30 days of incarceration but can be reinstated upon release.
