How To Get The Maximum Amount Click on any of the topics in the Table of Contents listed below to go directly to that discussion. How To Get The Maximum Amount Decisions about retirement are among the most important ones you will ever make. Social Security will be part of the retirement plans of almost every individual in the United States. This Financial Guide provides information you need about Social Security benefits to help you plan for your retirement years.
Most people earn four credits per year.
The number of credits you need to get retirement benefits depends on your date of birth. If you stop working before you have enough credits to qualify for benefits, your credits will remain on your Social Security record. If you return to work later on, you can then add credits so that you may qualify. No retirement benefits can be paid until you have the required number of credits. If you are like most people, however, you will earn many more credits than you need to qualify for Social Security.