How 2.6 Million Seniors Can Access Their Social Security Benefits
According to Vibes.okdiario, Did you know that in America, 2.6 million people aged 60 and over will never receive Social Security benefits? If you’re planning to rely on Social Security to enhance your retirement income, you’re certainly not alone. With over 77 million current and future beneficiaries in the United States, many individuals count on this vital support during their golden years. However, not everyone can expect to receive a monthly Social Security check.
Social Security Statistics Unveiled
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 3.3% of Americans aged 60 or older are classified as “never beneficiaries,” meaning they do not receive SSA retirement benefits. This statistic may raise concerns about your own eligibility for benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Benefits
To qualify for Social Security benefits, individuals must meet specific criteria:
- Work Duration: You must have worked and contributed to SSA taxes for a minimum of 10 years.
- Earning Credits: During this period, you need to earn a total of 40 credits (up to 4 per year).
Understanding these requirements is crucial to ensure your benefits are secure. By staying informed and proactive, you can take necessary steps to guarantee that you’re covered when it matters most.
Steps to Ensure You Receive SSA Benefits
To ensure you’re on track for receiving SSA benefits, consider the following:
- Regularly Review Your Social Security Statement: Verify your earnings and credits.
- Consult with a Financial Advisor: Plan for any potential gaps in your eligibility.
- Consider Additional Savings Options: Supplement your retirement income if needed.
In 2025, you must earn at least $1,810 per credit, with the possibility of accumulating up to four credits annually. Your eventual Social Security benefit is calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings; any years without work will be counted as zero, which can impact your benefit calculation.
Understanding the “Never Beneficiary” Status
Becoming a “never beneficiary” occurs when you haven’t earned enough credits throughout your working years to qualify for Social Security benefits. This situation can be particularly challenging for specific groups:
Who Might Become a Never Beneficiary?
- Late-Arriving Immigrants: Nearly half (about 49%) of never beneficiaries are older immigrants who have not accumulated sufficient credits to qualify.
- Infrequent Workers: Individuals who have taken time off work, often to raise children, represent 38.9% of this group and often struggle to accumulate the necessary credits.
- Jobs Not Covered by Social Security: Those employed in fields not covered by Social Security make up 10.8% of never beneficiaries and will not receive any benefits.
Many state and local government employees do not pay Social Security taxes, which may seem like a disadvantage. However, they often receive a pension provided by their employer instead. Similarly, employees in the railroad industry are covered by the Railroad Retirement Board if they have accumulated more than 10 years of service.
Understanding Eligibility and Timing
Only a small percentage of beneficiaries (about 1.3%) pass away before receiving any Social Security benefits. It’s important to note that you cannot begin claiming Social Security until you reach age 62. To receive the full benefit amount, you must wait until your full retirement age, which ranges between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year.
What Happens If You Pass Away Before Claiming?
If someone dies before reaching age 62, they cannot claim Social Security benefits. However, there are provisions to support families:
- Individuals with Terminal Illnesses: May qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
- Survivors’ Benefits: Available for spouses and dependent children, providing financial support during difficult times.
Certain groups, such as U.S. citizens residing in specific foreign nations, will not receive their SSA benefits. While it is typically possible to receive your SSA check while living abroad, there are exceptions. Unfortunately, if you reside in countries like Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan, you may not be eligible. However, exceptions may exist for some countries, except for Cuba and North Korea. To determine your eligibility, you can use the government’s Payments Abroad Screening Tool.
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Securing Your Social Security Benefit
Wondering how to ensure you receive your benefit? Here are a few strategies to consider:
- Delay Retirement: If you haven’t accumulated the required 40 credits, consider delaying retirement until you qualify.
- Explore Other Benefits: If you’re unable to work due to a disability, investigate other benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), that might be available to you.
Divorced Individuals and Social Security Benefits
If you’re divorced and find that you’re not eligible for your retirement benefit, you may still qualify for spousal benefits. To be eligible, your marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, and you must not have remarried. Applying for spousal benefits can be a strategic move without informing your ex, and it won’t affect their benefits.
Eligibility for Immigrants
For immigrants lacking sufficient U.S. credits, there’s hope if you hail from one of the 30 countries with a totalization agreement with the U.S. This arrangement allows you to combine your U.S. credits with prorated benefits from your home country. However, you must have at least six credits earned in the U.S. If you haven’t reached this threshold, consider working long enough to acquire those credits.
Ensuring Your Social Security Eligibility
If you’re uncertain about your Social Security eligibility—perhaps due to being an infrequent worker or a recent immigrant—here are steps to secure your benefits:
Steps to Secure Your Benefits
- Check Your Eligibility: Begin by visiting the SSA website to verify your eligibility.
- Use the SSA Retirement Estimator: This tool is invaluable for planning your retirement and calculating potential payments.
Taking these proactive steps ensures you’re well-prepared for your retirement future.
