In the United States, Social Security is an important source of income for retired people. Many workers depend on this money when they stop working. But not everyone can receive these monthly payments.
Even if someone has lived in the country for a long time, there are rules that must be followed. Knowing who qualifies and who does not can help avoid problems in the future.
What is Social Security?
Social Security is a federal program in the U.S. that gives money to people who have retired, have disabilities, or are survivors of deceased workers. To get this money, people must have worked in jobs where they paid Social Security taxes. The money is paid monthly and helps cover basic living costs after retirement.
Who is Not Eligible for Social Security?
Some people do not qualify for Social Security benefits, even if they are old enough to retire. Here are the main reasons why:
Not Enough Work Credits
To receive Social Security, you need at least 40 work credits. Most people earn 4 credits a year if they work full-time. This means you need about 10 years of work to qualify. If you haven’t worked that long in jobs where Social Security taxes were taken out of your paycheck, you won’t get benefits.
People Without Legal Work Status
If someone worked in the U.S. without legal documents or did not pay Social Security taxes, they are not eligible. Even if they earned money, it does not count unless it was reported legally with proper tax payments.
U.S. Citizens Who Worked Abroad
Some American citizens live and work in other countries for most of their lives. If they didn’t work enough years in the U.S. or didn’t pay into the Social Security system, they might not have enough credits to qualify.
Age Alone Is Not Enough
Being 62 or older does not automatically mean you get Social Security. You also need to meet all the other conditions. That’s why it’s important to check your work history.
Other Options: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If someone has not worked enough but has very low income and meets legal status requirements, they may qualify for SSI, a different program. SSI is not based on work history but only helps those in great financial need and with proper legal documents.
Minimum Requirements to Get Social Security
To qualify for retirement benefits under Social Security, you must:
- Have at least 40 work credits
- Have worked legally in jobs covered by Social Security
- Be at least 62 years old
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Have legal immigration status
If any of these are missing, your application could be denied, even if you are a U.S. citizen. It’s smart to check your Social Security account online to see if you have the required credits.
Planning for retirement means understanding if you qualify for Social Security. Many people think that age or long-time residence is enough, but that is not true. The most important thing is your work history and if you paid into the system.
By checking your credits early and understanding the rules, you can avoid surprises when it’s time to retire. Knowing where you stand will help you prepare better and give you peace of mind for your future.