I do not qualify for social security because I only have 38 credits. I am now 67 years old and will be 68 on 9/21; can I get any form of social security because I am 30% VA disabled?
Hi,
Your status with the VA wouldn't make any difference with regard to Social Security benefit eligibility. Therefore, assuming that you didn't receive Social Security disability benefits in the past, you wouldn't be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits unless you have at least 40 quarters (QC) of Social Security coverage.
You would likely get deemed military wages (DMW) for any periods that you served on active duty in U.S. military service (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.09/handbook-0953.html), but assuming that you only have 38 QCs inclusive of your military service and credits you still wouldn't qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Still, though, if you haven't already done so you may want to file a formal application with Social Security just to make sure. Be sure to tell them your dates of active military service.
Even if you don't qualify for Social Security benefits based on your own work record, it's possible that you may still qualify for benefits on the record of a spouse or former spouse if you meet the requirements for auxiliary (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/divspouse.html) or survivor benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/). If you think you may qualify, you should contact Social Security to check on your eligibility.
Best, Jerry