How many credits/quarters of coverage are required to be Fully insured for retirement benefits?

How many credits/quarters of coverage are required to be Fully insured for retirement benefits?

• A. 20 credits
• B. 40 credits
• C. 60 credits
• D. 50 credits

Answer: (B)

To have retirement benefits, you must be fully insured, which depends on quarters of coverage. You earn up to four quarters per year as you work and pay Social Security taxes. The standard threshold to be fully insured is 40 quarters, which is roughly 10 years of work at the required earnings level. Once you reach 40 quarters, you’re considered fully insured and can receive retirement benefits based on your earnings record when you claim them. The other options would imply fewer or more quarters than the established threshold, so 40 is the correct benchmark.

To have retirement benefits, you must be fully insured, which depends on quarters of coverage. You earn up to four quarters per year as you work and pay Social Security taxes. The standard threshold to be fully insured is 40 quarters, which is roughly 10 years of work at the required earnings level. Once you reach 40 quarters, you’re considered fully insured and can receive retirement benefits based on your earnings record when you claim them. The other options would imply fewer or more quarters than the established threshold, so 40 is the correct benchmark.