How many quarters must a worker have worked to be considered fully insured under Social Security?

To be considered fully insured under Social Security, a worker must have earned a minimum of 40 quarters of coverage. This requirement is based on the amount of work a person has completed and is a critical factor in determining eligibility for Social Security benefits, including retirement and disability.

A quarter of coverage is typically earned by working and paying Social Security taxes on earnings that meet the defined threshold for that quarter. As of 2023, a worker earns one quarter for each $1,640 earned, up to a maximum of four quarters per year.

Achieving the 40-quarter requirement reflects a substantial work history and enables workers to access various Social Security benefits after retirement or in the event of disability. This metric is designed to ensure that individuals who contributed significantly to the system have the necessary safety net when they need it most.