How many years must a worker have worked and how many quarters must they have received to be considered fully insured under Social Security?

To be considered fully insured under Social Security, a worker must have earned a total of 40 quarters of coverage, which translates to 10 years of work. Quarters of coverage are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes, where generally, a worker can earn up to four quarters in a year. This requirement ensures that only those who have contributed enough to the system can qualify for benefits, reflecting the individual's financial investment into the Social Security program.

The option that states 10 years and 40 full quarters accurately captures this requirement, aligning with the Social Security Administration's guidelines. It is essential for workers to meet this threshold to access disability benefits, retirement benefits, or survivor benefits, as it signifies a sustained contribution to the system.