BFG in the News: Victoria answers a reader’s question about Social Security

Victoria Cannillo, an Associate Financial Planner at Baron Financial Group, is quoted on this topic, answering a reader’s question on NJMoneyHelp.com by Karin Price Mueller, originally published in June 2025:

“How long do I have to work to get my own Social Security?”

A 30-second read by Victoria Cannillo:  If you have not met the working requirement, you would not be eligible to get your own Social Security benefits. However, there are spousal benefits that may be available to you. According to SSA.gov, to be eligible for monthly Social Security payments, you must:  

• Be age 62 or older, and
• Have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 10 years or more.

If your spouse receives Social Security, it is possible that you can potentially collect a portion of their benefits (up to 50%)  based on their work record. The longer you wait to apply for the spousal benefit, the higher the benefit will be (e.g. waiting until Full Retirement Age, which can differ based on the year you were born. If born in or after 1960, the age is 67). If you decide to work while receiving benefits, you will want to be cognizant of not earning more than your earnings limit. You can calculate your earnings limit on SSA.gov/family/amount.

Read Karin Price Mueller’s article here.

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If you have any further questions, please reach out to your Baron Team.

Disclosure:  This is a general communication being provided for informational purposes only. This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research, tax or investment advice. Please consult your financial planning and tax professional for personal advice.