Q: “How long does a person need to work to become eligible for retirement benefits?”
A: Everyone born in 1929 or later needs 40 Social Security “credits” to be eligible. You can earn up to four credits a year. So, you will need at least 10 years of covered employment or self-employment to become eligible for retirement benefits.
During your working years, we post earnings covered by Social Security to your record. You earn credits based on those earnings. The amount of earnings needed for a credit rises as average earnings levels rise. In 2010, and 2011, you receive one credit for each $1,120 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits a year.
For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov
Q: “I get disability benefits. I would really like to try to work again, but I can’t risk losing my medical coverage. I understand Social Security’s Ticket to Work might let me try working without endangering my benefits. What can you tell me about it?”