<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3IOu9J_0wCwjWxg00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3IOu9J_0wCwjWxg00" width="1200" height="675" ></figure><p><b>Spread the love</b></p><p>According to Vibes.okdiario, Did you know that in America, <b>2.6 million</b> people aged 60 and over will never receive Social Security benefits? If you’re planning to rely on Social Security to supplement your retirement income, you’re certainly not alone. With over <b>77 million</b> current and future beneficiaries in the United States, many depend on this crucial support during their golden years. However, not everyone can expect to receive a monthly Social Security check.</p><h2>Social Security Statistics Unveiled</h2><p>According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately <b>3.3%</b> of Americans aged 60 or older are classified as “never beneficiaries,” meaning they do not receive SSA retirement benefits. This statistic may raise concerns about your own eligibility.</p><h2>Requirements for Social Security Benefits</h2><p>To qualify for Social Security benefits, certain criteria must be met:</p><ul><li>You must have worked and contributed to SSA taxes for a minimum of <b>10 years</b>.</li><li>During this period, you need to earn a total of <b>40 credits</b> (up to 4 credits per year).</li></ul><p>Understanding these requirements is essential to ensuring your benefits are secure. By staying informed and proactive, you can take the necessary steps to guarantee that you’re covered when it matters most.</p><h2>Ensuring You’re on Track for Benefits</h2><p>To help ensure you receive SSA benefits, consider the following steps:</p><ul><li><b>Review Your Social Security Statement</b>: Regularly check your statement to verify your earnings and credits.</li><li><b>Consult with a Financial Advisor</b>: Discuss potential gaps in your eligibility and retirement planning.</li><li><b>Explore Additional Savings Options</b>: Consider saving more to supplement your retirement income if needed.</li></ul><p>As of 2025, earning <b>$1,810</b> per credit is required, allowing for a maximum of four credits annually. Your eventual Social Security benefit will be calculated based on your highest <b>35 years</b> of earnings. Any years without work will be factored in as zero, which can impact your benefit calculation.</p><h2>Understanding the “Never Beneficiary” Status</h2><p>Becoming a “never beneficiary” happens when you haven’t earned enough credits throughout your working years to qualify for Social Security benefits. This situation can be challenging for certain groups:</p><h2>Who Might Become a Never Beneficiary?</h2><ul><li><b>Late-Arriving Immigrants</b>: Nearly <b>49%</b> of never beneficiaries are older immigrants who haven’t acquired enough credits to qualify.</li><li><b>Infrequent Workers</b>: About <b>38.9%</b> of this group consists of individuals who took time off work, perhaps to raise children, making it difficult to accumulate the necessary credits.</li><li><b>Jobs Not Covered by Social Security</b>: Roughly <b>10.8%</b> of never beneficiaries worked in fields not covered by Social Security, meaning they won’t receive any benefits.</li></ul><p>State and local government employees often find themselves in a unique situation. While they don’t pay Social Security taxes, they typically receive a pension from their employer instead of Social Security benefits upon retirement. Similarly, railroad industry employees are covered by the Railroad Retirement Board, provided they have accumulated more than <b>10 years</b> of service.</p><h2>Understanding Eligibility and Timing</h2><p>Only about <b>1.3%</b> of beneficiaries pass away before receiving any Social Security benefits. It’s crucial to note that you cannot begin claiming Social Security until you reach the age of <b>62</b>.</p><h2>Full Benefit Amount</h2><p>To receive the full benefit amount, you must wait until your full retirement age, which ranges between <b>66 and 67</b>, depending on your birth year.</p><h2>What Happens If You Pass Away Before Claiming?</h2><p>If someone dies before reaching the age of 62, they will not be able to claim their Social Security benefits. However, there are provisions to support families:</p><ul><li><b>Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)</b>: Individuals with terminal illnesses may qualify for SSDI.</li><li><b>Survivors’ Benefits</b>: Spouses and dependent children may qualify for financial support in difficult times.</li></ul><h2>Impact of Living Abroad</h2><p>Many are surprised to learn that certain groups, including U.S. citizens residing in specific foreign nations, may not receive SSA benefits. While it is generally possible to receive your SSA check while living abroad, exceptions exist. Residents in countries such as <b>Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, North Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,</b> and <b>Uzbekistan</b> may not be eligible. However, some exceptions apply to certain countries, but not to Cuba and North Korea. You can determine your eligibility using the government’s <b>Payments Abroad Screening Tool</b>.</p><h2>Securing Your Social Security Benefit</h2><p>Wondering how to ensure you receive your benefit? Here are a few strategies to consider:</p><ul><li><b>Delay Retirement</b>: If you haven’t accumulated the required <b>40 credits</b>, think about delaying retirement until you qualify.</li><li><b>Explore Other Benefits</b>: If you’re unable to work due to a disability, look into benefits like <b>Supplemental Security Income (SSI)</b>.</li></ul><h2>Divorced Individuals and Social Security Benefits</h2><p>If you’re divorced and ineligible for your own retirement benefit, you may still qualify for spousal benefits. To be eligible, your marriage must have lasted at least <b>10 years</b>, and you must not have remarried. Applying for spousal benefits can be a strategic move that won’t affect your ex-spouse’s benefits.</p><h2>Eligibility for Immigrants</h2><p>For immigrants lacking sufficient U.S. credits, hope exists if you come from one of the <b>30 countries</b> with a totalization agreement with the U.S. This arrangement allows you to combine your U.S. credits with prorated benefits from your home country. However, you must have at least <b>six credits</b> earned in the U.S. If you haven’t reached this threshold, consider working long enough to acquire those credits.</p><h2>Ensuring Your Social Security Eligibility</h2><p>If you’re uncertain about your Social Security eligibility—perhaps due to being an infrequent worker or a recent immigrant—here are steps to secure your benefits:</p><h2>Steps to Secure Your Benefits</h2><ol><li><b>Check Your Eligibility</b>: Visit the SSA website to verify your eligibility.</li><li><b>Use the SSA Retirement Estimator</b>: This tool is invaluable for planning your retirement and calculating potential payments.</li></ol><p>Taking these proactive steps ensures you’re well-prepared for your retirement future.</p></div></body>

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About 2.6 M people aged 60 or older may not get Social Security benefits. Here’s why and how to get them

According to Vibes.okdiario, Did you know that in America, 2.6 million people aged 60 and over will never receive Social Security benefits? If you’re planning to rely on Social Security to supplement your retirement income, you’re certainly not alone. With over 77 million current and future beneficiaries in the United States, many depend on this crucial support during their golden years. However, not everyone can expect to receive a monthly Social Security check.