To be eligible for any OASDI social security benefits, what status must a worker achieve?

To be eligible for any OASDI (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance) social security benefits, a worker must achieve insured status. This status is determined based on the worker's earnings history and the number of credits they have accumulated. Generally, a worker earns one credit for each quarter of work in which they meet a minimum income threshold, with a maximum of four credits obtainable in a year.

Achieving insured status is crucial because it establishes the worker’s eligibility not only for retirement benefits upon reaching a certain age but also for disability benefits if they become unable to work before retirement age, and survivor benefits for their dependents in the event of their passing. Therefore, understanding the importance of insured status is fundamental for anyone planning to rely on Social Security benefits in their future.