How is Social Security financed?
Social Security is financed through a dedicated payroll tax. Employers and employees each pay 6.2 percent of wages up to the
taxable maximum of $160,200 (in 2023), while the self-employed pay 12.4 percent.
Total income, including interest, to the combined OASI and DI Trust Funds amounted to $1.222 trillion in 2022. ($1.107 trillion from net payroll tax contributions, $49 billion from taxation of benefits, and $66 billion in interest)
The payroll tax rates are set by law, and for OASI and DI, apply to earnings up to a certain amount. This amount, called the contribution and benefit base, or taxable maximum, rises as average wages increase.
copied ssa.gov
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must:
- Have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
- Have a medical condition that meets Social Security's strict definition of disability.
Social Security in retirement
The Social Security Retirement benefit is a monthly check that replaces part of your income when you reduce your hours or stop working altogether. It may not replace all your income so it's best to identify other ways to pay for your monthly expenses as you age.
Learn how to apply
See if you're eligible
Eligibility is always based on work. Most jobs take Social Security taxes out of your paycheck so you can get a monthly benefit in retirement.
Check your eligibility
You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes.
The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive. We use the number of credits you’ve earned to determine your eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, Medicare, and your family’s eligibility for survivors benefits when you die.
We cannot pay benefits to you if you don’t have enough credits.
How Credits Are Earned
Since 1978, you can earn up to a maximum of 4 credits per year.
Credits are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year. You might work all year to earn 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in much less time.
The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. In 2023, you earn 1 Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,640 in covered earnings each year. You must earn $6,560 to get the maximum 4 credits for the year.
During your lifetime, you might earn more credits than the minimum number you need to be eligible for benefits. These extra credits do not increase your benefit amount. The average of your earnings over your working years, not the total number of credits you earn, determines how much your monthly payment will be when you receive benefits.
Read our publication, "
How You Earn Credits," for more information.
Number of Credits Needed for Retirement Benefits
You need 40 credits to qualify for retirement.