Social Security Eligibility Questions Answered

Social Security Resource Center

En español | The AARP Social Security Resource Center is as an online retirement-planning tool designed to help you figure out your eligibility for Social Security payments, when you can get them, and how much you and your family can receive. In this section you’ll find easy-to-understand answers on eligibility topics including:

Who is (and isn’t) covered by Social Security
Criteria to qualify for retirement, disability, spousal and survivor benefits
Enrolling in Medicare
Social Security options for people living (and retiring) abroad

Who Is Covered

Q: How long do I have to work to get Social Security?

Q: Who is eligible for Social Security retirement benefits?

Q: Is it true that some people who are collecting Social Security benefits never paid into the program?

Q: How long do I have to work to qualify for Social Secuity Disabiity Insurance?

Q: Is Social Security just for retired workers?

Q: Are some kinds of employees not covered by Social Security?

Q: Do members of Congress pay into Social Security?

Age

Q: When can I collect Social Security?

Q: Is the Social Security retirement age going up?

Q: What is the earliest age I can receive Social Security benefits?

Medicare & Disability

Q: How do Social Security and Medicare work together?

Q: Can I get Medicare if I'm not getting Social Security yet?

Q: Can I enroll in Medicare if I retire and collect Social Security at age 62?

Q: I am disabled but do not have enough work credits to claim SSDI benefits. Can I claim disability benefits on my spouse's record?

Q: Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Work & Credits

Q: Can I work and collect Social Security?

Q: Can I collect Social Security and a pension?

Q: What are Social Security credits?

Q: Can someone buy into Social Security?

Q: What are the "special credits" that veterans receive for military service?

Citizenship & Living Abroad

Q: Can I collect Social Security if I live outside the U.S.?

Q: Can I transfer credits from a foreign country's pension system to my Social Security work record?

Q: Can non-U.S. citizens receive Social Security benefits?

Q: Can a non-U.S. citizen receive ex-spousal benefits?

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