How Do I Get Credit From Social Security For The Years I Worked?

In order to qualify for Social Security, you must earn credits while doing qualified work.

In order to obtain Social Security benefits, you must accumulate credits throughout your work career. For each $1,090 of net earnings (2009), you receive one SS credit up to a maximum per year of four credits. Due to wage inflation, the amount required for credits is always increasing each year although the change is usually quite small.

Social Security credits for self-employed people

If you are self-employed, you will normally need to earn a net of at least $400 a year (2009) to earn Social Security credits. There is an optional method of reporting one’s earnings, though, that will allow you to receive credits for years in which your net earnings have totaled less than $400.

Credits for those in the military

Generally, military personnel earn Social Security credits in the normal way with one credit for each $1,090 in net earnings each year (2009). However, those serving in the military may also qualify for additional earnings credits (see http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10017.html).

Other exceptions to earning Social Security credits

If you are involved in farm work, domestic work, or work for a church or church-controlled agency that does not pay Social Security taxes, there are special regulations governing how you earn credits. Also, earnings from certain types of work are not included in earning credits for Social Security. For example, if you are a child under 21 working for your parents. Also income for federal employees hired before 1984 is not covered for SS credits. Railroad employees who have worked more than 10 years, and some employees of state and local governments also may not be covered. For more detailed information on exceptions, contact the Social Security Administration using their official web site contact page: http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/reach.htm.

Related posts

1. What Are Social Security Credits?
2. Do I Get Work Credit If I Continue To Work While On Social Security?
3. How is My Social Security Eligibility Determined?
4. How Does My Work Now Equal Social Security Benefits Later?
5. How much can I earn And Still Receive Social Security benefits?

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