[Thebeast]

If parents do not have enough credits to receive social security benefits (they only have 17 credits).

Where can they look for help?

Of course, us their kids. But besides that?

The only info I can get is from social security about the 40 credits they should have, but nothing else.

Long story short; they are at over 62 years old, they are NOT disabled, but can not work.

They have no assets, no house, no cars, no savings.

They got their permanent residence about 4 years ago.

Any help will be appreciated.

[Anu]

If you have not worked here and contributed to SS via taxes to meet the number of credits criteria you may not be eligible to receive social security.

It is fair as SS is depleting and soon they can’t pay even those who contributed to it.

So if you do not have long term employment in this country then you can’t avail ss.

Also when gc is sponsored by you (as a child of your parents) you must have filled a form claiming responsibility to provide food and boarding and making sure they won’t be a public charge.

So all these need to be considered when deciding to sponsor and bring parents here.

[Tony]

Why can’t they work if not disabled? It’s very easy to acquire the 40 baseline credits.

In 2024 it’s $1730 per credit x 4 = $6920 per year of income only that’s required. So they simply just need a part time job for 6 years to qualify plus since their 62 that will make them 68 so full retirement age.

[Susan]

Are they eligible for any type of retirement from the country they came from?

[JS]

Following. I haven’t looked into SS yet but interested in learning about the credits as I’m a very part time worker and mostly a SAHM.

[Katy]

Former social worker – I know of no programs that can help them.

[Kelvin]

Self employment work counts. Perhaps you could help them set up a side gig and earn enough to accumulate the credits they need.

hild care, lawn service, cleaning, etc are all possibilities.

Just be sure to pay quarterly self employment tax.

[Howie]

Not an expert, so here is what I know:
– 40 credits is the line in the sand.

They will not give to folks if you have 39 credits (and did not get the last quarter of earnings).

– You can look if you are entitled to a previous spousal benefit (if you were married previously and were married for over 10 years).

You can still get the benefit (which helps with SAHM).

The next step is to look into public assistance, section 8 housing, and other programs that might be available.

Again, I’m no expert in this area, but in America, there are some programs that help with almost any type of situation.

You just need to look for it.

For example, my dad is legally blind, but he works for a city sponsor program.

He makes close to minimum wage, but he needed a job and something to do.

Some of these programs don’t care if you are 20s or 80 years old.

[Andrea]

Thebeast Franko do they babysit or clean for you or other family members?

Would it be possible to somehow set them up as self employed and pay them enough wages to qualify for SS?

They may need to pay in taxes on it but may be worth it in the long run.

[Aretha]

This happened to my mom when she died. She only worked off & on maybe for 1 or 2 yrs.

When she died no social security was available due to lack of work history.

The only thing my younger sisters were eligible for was basically welfare and the oldest would have to apply if the minor is under age.

Try welfare.

They may receive food stamps & a small amount of cash if they are unable to work due to their age.

Are they totally unable to work at all?

Not even 20 hrs or 15 hrs a week to at least age 65 by then they may have enough credits to stop working by 65 and collect social security.

[Kait]

If they aren’t disabled, they should join the workforce and establish their credits while they can.

Otherwise they may need to fall back on drawing from whatever they established while working in their country of origin.

[Kassandra]

I’m sorry but they need to work and you will need to support them. If they drive then they can deliver, do Uber.

Can your mom baby sit?

Cook and sell dinners? Bake?

[Vicki]

How do neither of them have 40 credits??? I have had my credits since I was in my late 20’s.

My Mom never had enough credits because she was a house wife most of her life but was able to draw off my dad’s credits.

[Allison]

This whole post reads entirely entitled. If they can’t afford to be retired, they need to work.

If they’re not disabled, they’ve been working somehow to have got the credits they’ve got.

Why can’t/wont they work?

[Rio]

Do they have benefits from their original country? Whoever sponsored them is responsible to help them.

Church and charities in your local area will be useful.

Check with neighborhood and community groups.

[Leslie]

My aunt is in her 70s, hardly speaks English, and has worked delivering newspapers since I was little.

There are ways to find work even with limitations.

If you are willing to provide more details on their restrictions, perhaps we can help you with ideas.

One option is for you to hire them as a household employee.

[Tyler]

What Country (and State/Province)? There can be income based (or no income) programs for seniors for housing, food, medical.

[Tammy]

I don’t want to be rude, but how did they get the 17 credits to begin with?

Is there nowhere they can continue to work to get the full 40 so they can qualify for social security?

Hoping you all can figure it out.

[Author]

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