Ask Larry

Is It Worth It For My Mother To Earn The Extra Credit She Needs To Qualify For Social Security?

My mother is one credit short to receive Social Security. She was a stay at home mom and worked very little over the years. Is it worth setting her up a business (like dog walking) for a year to earn that extra credit?

Hi,

I can't say for sure without knowing more about your mother's situation. For example, if she could qualify for spousal or survivor benefits on a current or prior spouse's record then there may be little or no advantage in qualifying for benefits on her own record.

Your mother may want to consider using our maximization software to do some research. The software should be able to tell her how much she could receive if she does earn the additional quarter of coverage (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/QC.html) as well as help her determine if she may qualify for other benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Apr 23 2018 - 7:12am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.