How to Qualify for Social Security Retirement Benefits
Social Security retirement provides the American worker with retirement income insurance, beginning as early as age 62. The Social Security Administration estimates that Social Security retirement benefits cover 96 percent of American workers. The American worker pays into the Social Security fund expecting to use it, but many do not live to retirement age, while others do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Social Security retirement payments are not automatic. You must apply and qualify.
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Instructions
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Apply for a Social Security card and number if you do not already have one. This is an essential part of getting retirement benefits, as your Social Security account is the depository for employment taxes taken out of your paycheck.
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Qualify for Social Security retirement by working a job covered by Social Security. These positions require the payment of Social Security taxes to receive credits toward retirement benefits. Make sure taxes are taken out of your check, and check periodically to see that payments are being recorded in your account. Every year, the Social Security Administration sends information three months before your birthday. This information should give total payments credited for the prior year.
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Qualify for Social Security retirement by working 10 years and accumulating 40 quarters, or credits, towards retirement. Again, this must be employment at a job covered by Social Security, with taxes that you and your employer paid. Self-employment may qualify, but you must pay your share as an employer and as an employee to make the credits count.
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Qualify for Social Security retirement by reaching retirement age. Early retirement for Social Security is 62, with about 25 percent loss of benefits. Full retirement age is 65 to 67, depending on your birth date. You can apply for benefits within three months of your qualifying birth date, and schedule the first payment for months later.
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Apply for Social Security retirement benefits to qualify. This requires an online application, applying in person, or applying by telephone. Provide all the information requested, including your birth certificate, military discharge papers, W-2 for the past year, proof of citizenship and, of course, your Social Security number. You must apply to see if you qualify.
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Appeal any adverse decision if you believe you should qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. You have 60 days to file an appeal if you are denied benefits. Attempt to qualify for Social Security retirement again. There are several steps to the appeal, starting with Reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge; Review by the Appeals Council; and Federal Court review.
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