Social Security Credits (Work History): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how your work history builds credits for future retirement and disability benefits in the United States.
This scheme allows you to build up a record of work that determines your eligibility for future government benefits.
Who it's for
This is for anyone who is currently working and paying FICA taxes (a type of payroll tax used to fund social insurance programs).
What you get
By working and paying these taxes, you accumulate credits. These credits are used to qualify you for retirement and disability benefits later in life.
What it costs you
There is no manual payment required. The cost is handled through an automatic deduction from your paycheck.
The catch to know
If you have to stop working for a period of time to care for a relative, you will not be earning new credits during that time, which may decrease the amount of benefits you receive in the future.
How to apply
- Maintain steady employment where payroll taxes are being deducted.
- Keep track of your earnings and tax records.
- Check your official earnings statement periodically to ensure your work history is accurate.