Claims that illegal immigrants are collecting Social Security benefits even to the extent of causing the trust insolvency are nonsense.
What is true is that undocumented workers, about 5% of the workforce, pay FICA taxes, annually contributing about $25 billion into SS and about $6 billion in Medicare taxes (including employer share)
To collect Social Security retirement benefits, you generally need to meet these key requirements (based on official SSA rules):
1. Earn Enough Work Credits
• You must accumulate 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work covered by Social Security taxes). This applies if you were born in 1929 or later.
• You earn up to 4 credits per year. In 2026, one credit requires $1,890 in covered earnings (wages or self-employment income subject to Social Security taxes). To max out 4 credits in a year, you need at least $7,560.
• Credits stay on your record even if you stop working. The exact number of credits needed can differ for disability or survivor benefits.
2. Reach the Minimum Age
• You can start receiving benefits as early as age 62 (you must be 62 for the entire month).
3. Other Factors That Affect Eligibility and Amount
• Your benefit is based on your lifetime earnings (highest 35 years, adjusted for inflation). Higher lifetime earnings = higher benefit.
• Spousal, survivor, or disability benefits have separate rules (e.g., spouses may qualify on your record even with fewer credits).
• U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status is required for most benefits.
Documents and Information You’ll Need to Apply
Gather these (originals or certified copies for most; photocopies OK for some like W-2s):
• Your Social Security number (or card).
• Birth certificate or other proof of age (original or certified copy required).
• If not born in the U.S.: Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status (original/certified; no expired documents).
• W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for the previous year (photocopy OK).
• If you served in the U.S. military before 1968: Discharge papers (photocopy OK).
• For spousal or family benefits: Spouse’s/children’s SSNs and birth certificates.
• Bank details (routing and account number) for direct deposit.
• If applicable: Marriage/divorce records or other details.
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