Who Is Considered a Social Security Beneficiary?
Understand the criteria for receiving Social Security benefits. See how eligibility is determined by your work history or your relationship to another worker.
A Social Security beneficiary is an individual who receives payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These benefits are designed to provide a partial replacement of income for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. The term “beneficiary” extends to family members who may be eligible to receive payments based on that worker’s earnings record.
The system functions as a social insurance program, where today’s workers contribute through taxes to fund benefits for current recipients. The amount of the benefit is calculated based on the worker’s lifetime earnings, providing a foundational level of financial support. This structure ensures that benefits are available not just for the individual who contributed, but also for those who depended on them financially.
The Foundation of Eligibility Earning Work Credits
The Social Security system is built upon work credits, which individuals earn by working and paying Social Security taxes. In 2025, a worker earns one credit for each $1,810 of earnings, with a maximum of four credits achievable per year. The amount of earnings needed to secure a credit increases annually to adjust for inflation. These credits are the building blocks that determine eligibility for the different types of benefits offered by the SSA.
To qualify for any Social Security benefits, a worker must achieve an “insured status.” “Fully insured” status is required for retirement benefits and is achieved by earning at least 40 credits, which equates to about 10 years of work. This status ensures that both the worker and their eligible family members can receive retirement and survivor benefits.
For certain survivor benefits for a worker’s children and spouse, a “currently insured” status may be sufficient. This requires the worker to have earned at least six credits in the 13-quarter period ending with the quarter of their death. For disability benefits, a more stringent “disability insured” status is necessary, involving both a “recent work test” and a “duration of work test.”
Beneficiaries Based on Your Own Work Record
Retired Workers
To receive retirement benefits, a worker must be “fully insured,” meaning they have accumulated at least 40 work credits. An individual can begin claiming reduced benefits as early as age 62. To receive the full benefit amount, one must wait until their full retirement age, which varies from 66 to 67 depending on the year of birth. For those who delay claiming benefits beyond their full retirement age, their monthly payment will increase up to age 70.
Disabled Workers
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to workers who have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s strict definition of disability. This definition requires that the individual is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. In 2025, earning more than $1,620 a month is considered SGA for non-blind individuals; for those who are blind, the limit is $2,700 per month. The applicant must also have the required number of work credits for their age to qualify for SSDI.
Beneficiaries Based on Another Person’s Work Record
Spouses
A current spouse of a retired or disabled worker can claim benefits based on their partner’s record. To be eligible, the spouse must be at least 62 years old or be caring for the worker’s child who is under age 16 or disabled. The spousal benefit can be up to 50% of the worker’s full retirement benefit amount. If the spouse is also eligible for benefits on their own work record, the SSA will pay their own benefit first; if the spousal benefit is higher, they will receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher amount.
Divorced Spouses
An individual may be eligible to receive benefits on the record of an ex-spouse. The marriage must have lasted for at least 10 years, the person applying must be unmarried, and they must be at least 62 years old. The ex-spouse must also be entitled to receive their own retirement or disability benefits. A divorced spouse can begin collecting benefits even if the worker has not yet started their own, provided they have been divorced for at least two years.
Children
Biological children, adopted children, stepchildren, and dependent grandchildren may be eligible for benefits on a worker’s record. To qualify, a child must be unmarried and under age 18, or between ages 18 and 19 and a full-time student at an elementary or secondary school. Benefits continue until the child graduates or for the two months following their 19th birthday, whichever occurs first. An adult child who was disabled before the age of 22 can also receive benefits indefinitely.
Survivors
When a worker who has earned enough work credits dies, their surviving family members may be eligible for survivor benefits. A widow or widower can receive full benefits at their full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if they are disabled). A surviving spouse of any age can receive benefits if they are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under 16 or disabled. Surviving divorced spouses may also be eligible under similar rules if the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
Information and Documents Needed to Apply
Gathering the correct information and documents can streamline the Social Security application process. Applicants will need to provide their Social Security number, birth certificate, and the Social Security numbers of their current spouse, any former spouses, and any dependent children.
Financial documentation is also required, including bank information for direct deposit and a copy of your W-2 form(s) or self-employment tax return for the last year. Other documents may be necessary depending on the benefit, such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or military service papers. The SSA will need to review original or certified copies of these documents.
The Social Security Application Process
The SSA offers three primary methods for submitting a benefit application. The most common method is to apply online through the SSA’s official website. The online portal guides applicants through a series of questions, allowing them to save their progress and return later.
Alternatively, individuals can apply by phone by calling the SSA’s national toll-free number. A representative will assist with the application over the telephone. It is also possible to schedule an in-person appointment at a local Social Security office to apply.
After submission, the SSA will review the application and verify the provided documents. The agency may contact the applicant for additional information. Processing times can vary, but the SSA will send a letter by mail with their decision.