I don’t have 40 quarters of covered earnings for Social Security. What are my other options?

Published: June 11, 2024

Full question: I am Single (Widower – wife was Homemaker – no payments to SS) aged 79yo and Social Security wont pay me retirement benefits because I have worked for 35 quarters and not 40 quarters. I did not complete the extra 5 quarters because of permanently caring for my wife during her illness (double lymphoma) at the time over 5 years and now cannot complete the extra 5 quarters because of (age discrimination) and more importantly, severe back problems which I’ve had for multiple years and which gets more disabling every year. I have no income from any source and am having trouble financially in regard to paying bills, buying food etc. Do I have any recourse to Retirement benefits and/or Disability benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income…other?

Hi there,

I encourage you to seek out financial assistance through the Supplemental Security Income program, SSI.  SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.

Best of luck,
Martha

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