I'd like to know how this Social Security Credits thing work.
Certainly. You earn Social Security credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes.
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Could you be more specific about how they are earned?
Do you work and pay Social Security taxes?
Yes I do.
When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn up to a maximum of four credits per year.
How much do you have to earn for 1 credit?
The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. In 2020 you must earn $5,640 to get the maximum four credits for the year.
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I'm old, how many do you need for retirement benefits?
If you were born after 1928, you need 40 credits to qualify for retirement.
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What if I need to leave Survivors Benefits to my family, how many do I need then?
It depends on your age when you die. The younger you are, the fewer credits needed. Nobody needs more than 40 credits.
