Work credits in the United States are earned through accumulation of time worked. And this is what we need in order to get a payment from the Social Security Administration, whether it is in July, August or any other time of the month. Without meeting these conditions we will not be able to have a retirement benefit.
Although the minimum age to apply for a Social Security Administration retirement benefit is 62, many Americans who reach that age do not get a check because they do not have the minimum work credits. Without work credits we cannot have a monthly payment, so it is very important to meet the minimum.
If we have already applied for the retirement benefit we will get this payment in July and August, probably. Still, we have to wait until the Social Security Administration accepts our claim. But if we meet the conditions we will be able to enjoy the check, whatever the amount.
Minimum Social Security credits for July and August
To get the usual Social Security payment, it is not only necessary to meet the July and August requirements. That is, every citizen can get their payment regardless of what month of the year it is. And the work credits required by the SSA are the same for everyone.
The minimum number of work credits we need to collect a check for age retirement is 10. However, if our benefit is for Disability this changes a little. But if we are talking about Age Retirement, the check comes to our checking account only if we have earned 10 work credits.
So you need to earn 10 work credits before you can apply to the Social Security Administration. Each year worked gives the beneficiary 4 work credits. Remember, however, that this is the minimum number of work credits and not the maximum.
Citizens who exceed these 10 minimum work credits will always get a bigger check than if they do not. So it is advisable to check everything that influences within the amount we can get such as years worked and retirement age. This is the only way to get the best Social Security payment possible.
Who Can Benefit from Social Security in the USA
In the USA, Social Security is a vital program providing financial support to millions. But who exactly can benefit from this program? Here’s a breakdown of the key beneficiaries:
- Retirees: Those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system for at least ten years can start receiving benefits as early as age 62. The amount increases if you delay claiming until age 70.
- Disabled Individuals: If a severe disability prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Eligibility requires sufficient work credits and a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
- Survivors: Family members of deceased workers can receive Survivor Benefits. This includes spouses, children, and sometimes even parents. These benefits provide crucial financial support to families after a loved one’s death.
- Spouses: Spousal benefits are available to current and divorced spouses of retired or disabled workers. Even if you haven’t worked enough to qualify for Social Security on your own, you may still receive benefits based on your spouse’s record.
- Dependents: Children of retired, deceased, or disabled workers can receive benefits until they turn 18 (or 19 if still in high school). In some cases, benefits extend if the child is disabled.
Understanding who can benefit from Social Security is essential for maximizing its advantages. Make sure to explore all options to secure your financial future.