Social Security Eligibility: How to Qualify for Social Security Retirement Benefits
June 18, 2009
While millions of Americans rely on Social Security in their retirement years, not everyone qualifies.
Here are some general guidelines regarding Social Security eligibility:
How Long Do You Have To Work To Qualify For Benefits?
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you must work in a Social Security covered job for at least 10 years. More specifically, you must earn 40 credits (you can earn 4 credits per year) to qualify.
A credit is earned when you earn a minimum dollar amount; in 2009 the minimum amount you needed to earn in order to earn a credit is $1,090. You can earn up to four credits per year, so someone who earns at least $4,360 in 2009 will earn four credits.