Social Security retirement checks are a helpful source of income for many Americans, but you must meet certain requirements before you can start receiving them.
Once you qualify and begin collecting benefits, you’ll usually receive your payments every month without issues.
However, before those payments start, you need to meet a few key conditions. Meeting only the basic requirements may get you a smaller check, so it’s often better to delay claiming benefits to increase the amount you receive each month.
If you plan to apply for Social Security retirement benefits in 2025, it’s important to carefully review the eligibility rules.
Without meeting them, you won’t be able to receive monthly payments and may need to find other ways to cover your expenses.
The requirements for 2025 are similar to previous years: you must be at least 62 years old and have worked for at least 10 years.
In some rare cases, benefits can be claimed earlier, but those situations are reviewed individually by the Social Security Administration.
To qualify, you need to earn 40 work credits, which generally means about 10 years of work. These years don’t have to be consecutive—you can earn credits through part-time or seasonal jobs spread out over time.
Still, with only the minimum 10 years of work, the monthly check you receive will likely be small. To get a higher benefit, it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
One of the best ways to increase your Social Security payment is by working for at least 35 years.
The Social Security Administration calculates your benefits based on your highest-earning 35 years, so the more years you work, the better your potential payout.
Another key factor is when you choose to start collecting benefits. If you claim Social Security at age 62, your monthly payment could be reduced by up to 30% compared to waiting until age 70.
Delaying your claim allows your benefit amount to grow significantly, so it’s often worth the wait if your financial situation allows it.
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