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Summary:
The Social Security program provides monthly cash benefits to retired and disabled workers and their dependents, and to the survivors of deceased workers. To qualify for benefits, workers (whether citizens or noncitizens) must work in Social Security-covered jobs for a specified period of time, among other requirements. Generally, workers need 40 credits (sometimes referred to as "quarters of coverage") to become "insured" for benefits (fewer credits are needed for disability and survivor benefits, depending on the worker's age). In 2008, a worker earns one credit for each $1,050 in earnings, up to a maximum of 4 credits for the year (i.e., with annual earnings of $4,200 or more).
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