In the U.S., most people qualify for Social Security retirement benefits by working for at least 10 years and paying into the system through payroll taxes.

But what happens if you’ve never had a job or haven’t worked long enough? Can you still get Social Security benefits?

The short answer is: Yes, in some cases. There are ways for individuals with little or no work history to receive financial support through Social Security.

These include family-based benefits, survivor benefits, child benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and even some non-citizen provisions.

Let’s break it down.

Family-Based Benefits: Support Through Spouses and Parents

If you haven’t worked or don’t qualify on your own, you might still be able to receive benefits based on a family member’s work record. This includes spouses, ex-spouses, and in some cases, even parents.

For example:

• A non-working spouse can get up to 50% of their partner’s full retirement benefit.
• A widow or widower can get up to 100% of their late spouse’s benefit.

This system ensures that even those who didn’t directly contribute to Social Security through wages can still receive support when they reach retirement age or face other qualifying life events.

Spousal and Divorce Benefits: You May Still Be Eligible

If you were married, even if you never worked, you could qualify for spousal benefits. This applies even if you’re divorced, as long as:

• The marriage lasted at least 10 years, and
• You remain unmarried at the time of claiming.

You can receive up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s Social Security amount. Importantly, your claim does not affect your ex-spouse’s benefits in any way. It’s a separate and individual process.

This is a crucial lifeline for homemakers, caregivers, or others who didn’t have the chance to build up their work credits.

Survivor Benefits: Support After the Loss of a Loved One

When a Social Security-covered worker dies, their surviving spouse, children, or even dependent parents may be eligible for survivor benefits.

Key points:

• A widow or widower can start receiving benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled).
• Children under 18, or up to 19 if they’re still in school full-time, may also qualify.
• In cases where the child is disabled before age 22, benefits can continue into adulthood.

These benefits help families manage financially after the death of a provider.

Child Benefits: Financial Help for Kids

Children of retired, deceased, or disabled workers can receive monthly Social Security payments if they:

• Are under age 18, or
• Are full-time students up to age 19, or
• Are disabled before age 22.

This money can help with schooling, food, clothing, and other living expenses, especially in households facing financial challenges.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For People with No Work Record

If you’ve never worked or haven’t earned enough to qualify for retirement benefits, you might be eligible for SSI—a need-based program.

Unlike Social Security, SSI is funded by general tax revenue, not payroll taxes.

To qualify:

• You must be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, and
• Have limited income and financial resources.

As of 2024:

• The maximum SSI benefit is $943/month for individuals.
• For couples, it’s $1,415/month.

SSI is one of the most important safety nets for low-income elderly and disabled individuals in the U.S.

Non-Citizens: Some May Still Qualify

You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for Social Security benefits. Some non-citizens and legal immigrants may be eligible, especially if:

• They worked in the U.S. and paid Social Security taxes.
• They qualify under totalization agreements (international deals combining work credits from two countries).

Additionally, some immigrants may also be eligible for SSI if they meet specific residency and income requirements.

Final Thoughts

While Social Security is generally for people who paid into it through work, there are many paths for people without a personal work history to receive benefits. Whether through:

• A spouse or ex-spouse,
• A deceased loved one,
• The SSI program, or
• International agreements,

…you may still have options for support.

It’s important to check your eligibility, explore your options, and understand which programs apply to your specific situation.

Social Security is a complex system, but knowing the rules can help you or your loved ones stay financially secure, even without a traditional employment record.