To qualify as a fully-insured individual under Social Security, what must an individual have?

To qualify as a fully-insured individual under Social Security, an individual must accumulate a specific number of quarters of coverage. Quarters of coverage are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. As of now, an individual needs a total of 40 quarters of coverage to be considered fully insured, which equates to about 10 years of work in which they have paid into the Social Security system.

Being fully insured is crucial because it determines eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. If a person becomes disabled and has earned the required number of quarters, they can apply for these benefits. This essential requirement underscores the importance of consistent work history in maintaining eligibility for social insurance programs. Other options, while connected to aspects of social security, do not directly pertain to the status of being fully insured. For instance, Medicaid coverage does not influence one’s insured status, and recent employment or a minimum duration of disability does not affect the calculation of quarters of coverage.