Who Is Eligible for Social Security in the USA?
4Eligibility basics
To receive Social Security retirement benefits, you must:
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Be 62 or older
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Have earned 40 work credits
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Have worked legally in the U.S.
Citizenship is not required.
Types of Social Security benefits
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Retirement benefits
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Disability benefits (SSDI)
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Survivor benefits
Each has different rules but similar work requirements.
Can non-citizens lose benefits?
Yes, if they:
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Leave the U.S. permanently without authorization
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Violate immigration or SSA rules
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Fail residency requirements