FAQs
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.
How is Social Security disability calculated if you never worked? ›
People who have never worked may worry that they can't get disability payments through social security. They are correct in that they will not qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI. SSDI is available and intended for people who earned credits by working and paying Social Security taxes.
How can I get answers to Social Security questions? ›
If you cannot use our online services, we can help you by phone when you call your local Social Security office or our toll-free National 800 Number. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator. We are here to help.
How is Social Security calculated if you didn't work? ›
If you stop work before you start receiving benefits and you have less than 35 years of earnings, your benefit amount is affected. We use a zero for each year without earnings when we calculate the amount of retirement benefits you are due. Years with no earnings reduces your retirement benefit amount.
Can my wife get Social Security if she never worked? ›
Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. Your spouse can also qualify for Medicare at age 65.
What is the loophole for Social Security spousal benefits? ›
The first exception, which can be deemed as the Social Security spousal benefits loophole, works where an individual who remarries at 60 or later may still be entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits if the second marriage ends before the death of the first spouse.
What happens if you don't have enough credits for Social Security? ›
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.
What is the 5 year rule for Social Security? ›
The Social Security five-year rule is the time period in which you can file for an expedited reinstatement after your Social Security disability benefits have been terminated completely due to work.
What's the fastest you can get approved for disability? ›
The average response time for the SSA to reach a decision after you apply for SSDI benefits is three to four months, but this time period could be extended to up to eight months. Reconsideration. If the SSA denies your request for benefits, you will need to file a request for reconsideration of their decision.
Is there really a $16728 Social Security bonus? ›
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.
Social Security income can be taxable no matter how old you are. It all depends on whether your total combined income exceeds a certain level set for your filing status. You may have heard that Social Security income is not taxed after age 70; this is false.
At what age do you get 100% of your Social Security? ›
The full retirement age is 66 if you were born from 1943 to 1954. The full retirement age increases gradually if you were born from 1955 to 1960 until it reaches 67. For anyone born 1960 or later, full retirement benefits are payable at age 67.
What do you get from Social Security if you never worked? ›
The only people who can legally collect benefits without paying into Social Security are family members of workers who have done so. Nonworking spouses, ex-spouses, offspring or parents may be eligible for spousal, survivor or children's benefits based on the qualifying worker's earnings record.
What disqualifies you from Social Security? ›
Some American workers do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Workers who don't accrue the requisite 40 credits (roughly 10 years of employment) are not eligible for Social Security. Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security.
Do stay at home moms get Social Security? ›
A stay-at-home parent can get a Social Security check just like any other worker. Here's how. In order to qualify for a full Social Security benefit, you have to have worked 40 quarters, which equates to 10 years, earning a minimum of at least $1,640 per quarter.
Does a stay at home wife get Social Security? ›
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.
Can I get Social Security if I haven't worked in the last 7 years? ›
You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years. If you also get a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (e.g., a civil service or teacher's pension), your Social Security benefit might be reduced.
Can you get Social Security if you are unemployed? ›
If you've recently lost your job and are nearing retirement age, you may be eligible to collect benefits. You could apply for unemployment and Social Security and receive both at the same time. Unemployment benefits are distributed to workers who have lost their financial support and meet certain requirements.
What is the lowest Social Security payment? ›
- 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.