What is the primary eligibility requirement for receiving Social Security benefits?

The primary eligibility requirement for receiving Social Security benefits is indeed based on a minimum number of earnings credits. To qualify for Social Security, individuals must accumulate a certain number of credits, which are earned through work and the payment of Social Security taxes.

As of now, a worker earns one credit for each quarter of work where they meet the minimum earnings threshold, up to a maximum of four credits per year. Generally, individuals need at least 40 credits, which typically equates to about 10 years of work. Achieving this minimum number of credits establishes a worker's eligibility for various types of Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

While age and residency can play roles in the overall framework of Social Security, they are not the primary eligibility requirements. For instance, individuals can apply for retirement benefits as early as age 62, and the required age for full benefits can vary. Similarly, residency alone is not sufficient for eligibility; it’s the work history that directly correlates with the credits earned that primarily determines eligibility.