The U.S. Social Security system is a crucial safety net for older Americans, but astonishingly, 2.6 million individuals aged 60 and above may never qualify for benefits. This issue stems primarily from not earning enough Social Security credits during their working years. To be eligible, one must accumulate 40 credits, which typically requires a minimum of 10 years of substantial work, translating to a specific income level.
The current income threshold for one credit is $1,730, and while you can earn up to four credits a year, many fail to meet the earnings requirement due to various factors. Often, certain occupations—such as state or local government roles—are exempt from Social Security taxes, leaving workers reliant on alternative pension plans. Surprisingly, a significant portion of those affected are older immigrants who do not have sufficient U.S. work history.
To safeguard their future, individuals in precarious positions should explore eligibility for spousal benefits or review totalization agreements that may allow credit from their home country's system to count towards U.S. benefits. For more guidance on Social Security eligibility, visit authoritative sources such as SSA Guidelines and Investopedia on Social Security.
