Who is eligible for Social Security benefits?

Individuals who are eligible for Social Security benefits are those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient length of time. This typically means that they have earned enough "credits" by working in jobs where Social Security taxes were withheld. Generally, a person needs to have accumulated 40 credits, which equates to about ten years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.

This structure is designed to ensure that benefits are linked to an individual's work history and contributions to the Social Security system. While certain special categories may allow for benefits under different circumstances — such as disability or survivor's benefits — eligibility fundamentally revolves around the extent of an individual's work history and contributions.

The other options do not align with the primary criteria for Social Security benefits. While military service may afford veterans certain benefits, it does not automatically grant Social Security benefits without the requisite work history. Welfare assistance is not related to Social Security benefits, as it pertains to different types of governmental aid. Moreover, simply being above the age of 65 does not guarantee eligibility if the necessary work history and tax contributions have not been met.