Can I pay for Social Security credits in the US to guarantee my retirement even if I am not working?

Every resident in America can access Social Security support and more than 63 million people do so. For those hoping to claim benefits once they have retired, it is mandatory that the worker has paid into the Social Security pot. Depending on the number of years contributing and your annual income you will earn a certain number of work credits, which help to calculate your total benefit amount.

Workers can earn up to four Social Security credits towards eventual benefits each year. Most workers will earn 40 credits well before they reach the minimum retirement age of 62, the threshold to apply for old-age benefits.

The credits are not the only factor affecting retirement benefits. This includes how much you have earned while earning these credits, your highest salary each year for 35 years, and the age at which you retire at.

Apart from earning them yourself there is no way to give, borrow, or buy credits from other people.

How are Social Security credits earned?

For every $1,640 in wages or self-employment income, you earn one credit. After earning $6,560, you’ve earned your four credits for the year. These amounts change from year to year based on a computation of the change in the national average wage index.

A key component of the credits is they are achived through work. A worker cannot earn credits while they are out of work.