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As June 2025 approaches, many Americans are preparing to file for Social Security retirement benefits. Whether you're nearing retirement age or just beginning to consider your options, understanding the eligibility requirements is crucial for ensuring you receive the benefits you've earned.
From work history to age benchmarks and income limits, several factors determine whether you qualify-and how much you'll receive.
Social Security is a critical program that provides monthly income to retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers. The rules can be complex, but getting the basics right can help you avoid surprises when it's time to apply.
Work credits, age limits and how earnings affect your benefits
The foundation of Social Security eligibility is built on what are called work credits. To claim retirement benefits, you'll need to have earned at least 40 credits over your working lifetime. That typically equals about 10 years of employment.
In 2025, you'll receive one credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, with a cap of four credits per year. That means earning $7,240 or more in 2025 secures all four credits for the year.
Equally important is your age when you apply. You can begin receiving Social Security as early as age 62, but doing so will result in a reduced monthly payment. The Full Retirement Age (FRA) for people born in 1960 or later is 67. Claiming benefits before reaching that age results in a lower monthly payout, while delaying your claim beyond FRA-up to age 70-can increase your benefit through delayed retirement credits.
Your earnings also matter if you plan to work while receiving benefits. If you're younger than your FRA and still earning income, the Social Security istration (SSA) may reduce your benefit temporarily. In 2025, if you're under FRA for the entire year, $1 is withheld for every $2 earned above $23,400.
If you reach your FRA in 2025, a different rule applies: $1 is deducted for every $3 earned above $62,160, but only for income earned before reaching FRA. Once you hit your FRA, no income limit applies-you can earn as much as you want without affecting your benefits.
The amount you receive in monthly Social Security checks is calculated based on your average indexed monthly earnings over your 35 highest-earning years. If you haven't worked 35 full years, the SSA includes zero-income years in the calculation, which can lower your benefit. To maximize your payout, it helps to work as long as possible and earn more during those working years.