Is It Possible to Collect Social Security Payments Without Working?

Is It Possible to Collect Social Security Payments Without Working?

To become eligible for Social Security benefits, employees must accumulate 40 credits, roughly equivalent to ten years of work. The benefit amount they receive depends on their salary during their working period, the number of years they worked, and their age when they apply for benefits.check if you want to know about IRS Refund Schedule 2023.

Special Cases: Receiving Social Security Payments without Formal Work History

Despite the general requirement of contributing to the SSA through work, there exists a specific group of people who can claim monthly Social Security payments without ever having formally worked in their lives. In other words, they have never contributed to the SSA themselves.

Eligibility for Non-Working Individuals: Married to a Contributing Spouse

Non-working individuals can still receive Social Security payments under certain conditions. To be eligible, they must be married to someone who has diligently contributed to the SSA throughout their working life, paying Social Security payroll taxes.

Waiting Until Retirement Age

Those eligible to claim their spouse’s benefits must wait until the standard retirement age to start receiving the payments. Once approved, they can receive up to 32.5% of their spouse’s benefits.

Benefits for Non-Working Spouses

Under the heading “Benefits For Your Spouse” on the official Social Security website, it is stated that even if the spouse has never worked under Social Security, they may still be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years old and their partner is receiving retirement or disability benefits. Additionally, the non-working spouse can qualify for Medicare at the age of 65.

How to Claim Social Security Payments Without a Work History

If you have never worked but believe you are eligible to claim your partner’s benefits, you can do so by visiting any SSA office or completing the process online. During the application, you will be required to provide specific information, including:

• Spouse’s date of birth
• Spouse’s Social Security Number
• Date of birth and place of your marriage
• Marriage certificate

By following these steps, non-working individuals can avail themselves of Social Security payments based on their spouse’s contributions.