Most U.S. citizens qualify for Social Security benefits by accumulating 40 work credits, which typically equates to 10 years of employment.
However, immigrants over 65 who haven’t met this threshold may still be eligible for benefits under specific conditions, helping them secure retirement income.
You’ve earned certain benefits—make sure you’re getting them here.
How Can Immigrants Over 65 Qualify Without 40 Work Credits?
For older immigrants who haven’t worked long enough in the U.S., there are alternative pathways to qualify for Social Security benefits:
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Totalization Agreements – The U.S. has agreements with 31 countries that allow individuals to combine work credits from both nations to qualify for Social Security benefits.
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Spousal or Survivor Benefits – If you are married to or were married to someone who qualifies for Social Security, you may be eligible for benefits based on their work history.
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SSI (Supplemental Security Income) – If you have low income and limited resources, you may qualify for SSI benefits, even if you don’t have enough work credits.
Countries with Totalization Agreements
If you’ve worked in one of these countries, you may be able to combine your work history with your U.S. credits to qualify:
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Australia
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Austria
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Belgium
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Brazil
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Canada
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Chile
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Ireland
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Italy
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Japan
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Luxembourg
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The Netherlands
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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Slovak Republic
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Slovenia
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South Korea
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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The United Kingdom
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Uruguay
For a full list, visit Social Security Administration – International Agreements.
How to Check Your Eligibility?
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Assess Your Work Credits – Use the My Social Security tool to check your work history.
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Verify Your Country’s Agreement – Confirm if your home country has a Totalization Agreement with the U.S.
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Apply for Benefits – Visit SSA.gov or consult with a financial advisor to explore your options.
Final Thoughts
If you don’t have 40 work credits, you may still be eligible for Social Security benefits through international agreements, spousal benefits, or SSI.
This is especially important for immigrants over 65 who need reliable retirement income.
Check your eligibility today and take steps to secure your financial future.
For more details, visit SSA’s official website.
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