Full question: This question is for my mother. She is 67 and she would like to apply for Social Security benefits. She has been a homemaker until my Dad decided to get a small Cafe going. This business is in my mom’s name and my question is, may we apply the last 6 credits she needs from her self employment business?

Hi there,

If I understand you correctly, your Mother currently has 34 credits of earnings.

She can only accrue 4 credits per year. If she is paid enough to earn 4 credits this year (4 x $1,730 = $6,920) and 2 more credits next year (2 x value/credit TBD), she would then have the 40 required to be eligible for retirement benefits.

Also, she would be eligible for spousal benefits if/when your Dad has started collecting his retirement benefits. She would be eligible for spousal benefits even if she does not have 40 credits of her own.

For personalized support, you can get help from an RSSA here.

Best of luck,
Martha

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