Social Security Benefits for USC Parent

[Arules]

Hi,

My father holds a Green Card. He has no income and no assets. He lives with me (I am a USC). In a few months, he will be eligible to become a US Citizen.

Once he becomes a USC, is he eligible for any Social Security benefits or SSI ? He has never worked in the USA.

He is 78 yrs old.

[JoeF]

A person can only get social security if the person has paid into the system, i.e., having been employed, for at least 40 quarters, i.e., 10 years.

[pontevecchio]

Or if the spouse has worked the requisite time in which case the non working spouse is generally eligible for half the amount.

[pramak9]

@Joef, is the 10 years need to be a USC? or H1B and GC time can count towards the 10 years.

Thanks in advance

[JoeF]

3 hours ago, pramak9 said:

@Joef, is the 10 years need to be a USC? or H1B and GC time can count towards the 10 years.

Thanks in advance

It counts all time paid into the social security system. That would be on H1, L1, or GC, for example. People on F1 are exempted from paying these so-called FICA taxes for 5 years.