Your First Step: Earning Social Security Credits
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you generally need 40 work credits, which is equivalent to 10 years of work. These credits are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. Each year, the amount of earnings needed for a credit changes. For example, in 2025, earning $1,810 in covered income gives you one credit, and earning $7,240 or more provides the maximum four credits for the year. Your earned credits remain on your record permanently, regardless of employment gaps.
Understanding Age Requirements and Your Benefit Amount
Your age significantly impacts when you can collect benefits and how much you receive. While you can start receiving benefits at age 62, the monthly amount will be less than your full benefit. Your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is when you receive 100% of your earned benefit, is based on your birth year.
Full Retirement Age by Birth Year
- 1943-1954: Age 66
- 1955: Age 66 and 2 months
- 1956: Age 66 and 4 months
- 1957: Age 66 and 6 months
- 1958: Age 66 and 8 months
- 1959: Age 66 and 10 months
- 1960 and later: Age 67
Claiming benefits before your FRA results in a permanently reduced payment, while delaying benefits past your FRA (up to age 70) increases your monthly payment through Delayed Retirement Credits. The optimal time to claim depends on your individual circumstances, including life expectancy and financial needs.
Impact of Early vs. Delayed Claiming
| Factor | Claiming at 62 | Claiming at Full Retirement Age | Claiming at 70 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefit Amount | Permanently reduced (e.g., 30% reduction if FRA is 67) | 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount | Permanently increased by Delayed Retirement Credits (e.g., 8% annually for those born 1943 or later) |
| Lifetime Payments | More total payments, but smaller monthly checks | Fewer payments than early claimers, but larger checks | Fewer payments than earlier claimers, but largest monthly check |
| Life Expectancy Factor | Favored for those with shorter life expectancies | Balanced choice based on average life expectancy | Favored for those with longer life expectancies |
Benefits for Spouses and Ex-Spouses
Even without enough work credits of your own, you might be eligible for benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record. This does not decrease their benefit amount.
Eligibility for Spousal Benefits
You may be eligible for spousal benefits if you are at least 62, or caring for a child under 16 or with a disability who is entitled to benefits on your spouse's record. Your spouse must have already filed for benefits, and you must have been married for at least one year.
Eligibility for Divorced Spouse Benefits
If your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you might qualify for benefits on an ex-spouse's record if you are 62 or older, currently unmarried, and your own benefit is less than the one based on their record. You must also have been divorced for at least two years, unless your ex-spouse is already receiving benefits.
The Application Process
- Gather Necessary Documents: Collect documents like your birth certificate, Social Security number, W-2s, and potentially marriage or divorce certificates.
- Review Your Earnings: Create a
my Social Securityaccount at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to check your work history and get benefit estimates. - Plan Your Filing: Decide on your claiming age, as it affects your monthly benefit amount.
- Apply: You can apply for benefits online, by phone, or at a Social Security office.
- Receive Decision: The SSA will review your application and inform you of your eligibility and benefit amount.
Conclusion
Eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits primarily depends on earning 40 work credits and meeting age requirements. While you can claim as early as 62, delaying benefits increases your monthly payment. Considering your personal circumstances is key to deciding when to claim. Spousal and divorced spousal benefits offer additional avenues for eligibility. Utilizing the resources on the Social Security Administration's website can help you plan for retirement and understand your potential benefits.
