How do I get Medicare if I don't have enough work credits?
Asked by: Deven Oberbrunner | Last update: December 3, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)
Can I get Medicare if I didn't work enough?
If you are a U.S. citizen age 65 or older, you can get Medicare regardless of your work history — but your costs could vary.
What if I dont have enough work credits for Social Security?
You need enough work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability. Without enough work credits, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources.
Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?
Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.
How do you pay for Medicare if you are not collecting Social Security?
If you don't get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board), you'll get a premium bill from Medicare. Get a sample of the Medicare bill. Why is my first bill higher than I expected? An extra amount you pay in addition to your Part D plan premium, if your income is above a certain amount.
How to Collect Social Security if You Didn't Earn Enough Credits
Can I get Medicare if I don't have 40 credits?
Once a person turns 65, they can enroll in Medicare even if they do not have the required 40 work credits to receive Social Security benefits. However, there may be additional costs, including Part A premiums.
Is it better to apply for Medicare online or in person?
Online (at Social Security) – It's the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. (You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for benefits.)
How much money can you have in the bank if you're on Medicare?
eligibility for Medi-Cal. For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information.
What happens if you can't afford Medicare?
Depending on your state and how you qualify, Medicaid can cover some of your health care and certain Medicare costs, such as premiums, copays, coinsurance and deductibles. If you are eligible for full Medicaid coverage, you also automatically qualify for Extra Help for Medicare Part D coverage.
Can a person who has never worked collect Social Security?
But even if you never worked and therefore don't have an earnings record, you're not necessarily out of luck. If you're married (or were married) to someone who's entitled to Social Security, you can collect spousal benefits equal to 50% of your husband or wife's benefits at full retirement age.
When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?
You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.
What illness automatically qualifies for disability?
Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, benign brain tumors) Mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression) Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases) Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV infection, lupus, inflammatory arthritis)
Does my wife get Medicare if she never worked?
Medicare does not specifically cover spouses. However, some people qualify based on their spouse's or a former spouse's work record. Some people may qualify for Medicare by reaching age 65 years and having their own eligible work and tax records. Others, however, may not have worked for the required number of quarters.
How to qualify for free Medicare?
People age 65 or older, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, are eligible for Medicare Part A. You're eligible for Part A at no cost at age 65 if 1 of the following applies: You receive or are eligible to receive benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB).
Who qualifies for an extra $144 added to their social security?
To qualify for a Medicare giveback benefit, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. You must be responsible for paying the Part B Premiums; you should not rely on state government or other local assistance for your Part B premiums.
Does Medicare look at your savings account?
Medicare examines your bank accounts and other assets when you seek financial help with Medicare costs. However, eligibility criteria and verification procedures differ by state of residence. In certain states, there are no asset limits for Medicare savings programs.
Is Medicare Part B free for low-income for seniors?
Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Program (SLMB)
This program helps with paying Medicare premiums for Part B. A single person can qualify in 2024 with an income up to $1,526 per month. A couple can qualify with a combined income of $2,064 per month.
Do I qualify for Medicare if I never worked?
A person who has not worked may qualify for premium-free Medicare in one of two ways: their spouse has enough work history to qualify or if a person has certain disabilities or medical conditions.
What happens if I don't get 40 credits for Social Security?
You currently have fewer than the 40 credits needed to become fully insured for retirement benefits. You can still earn credits and become fully insured if you work. We cannot pay you benefits if you don't have enough credits.
What if you do not have enough credits to qualify for Medicare coverage?
If you have fewer than 30 work credits, you pay the maximum. If you have 30 to 39 credits, you pay less, and if you continue working until you gain 40 credits, you will no longer have to pay premiums for Part A. as other enrollees pay, with higher rates for people with higher incomes.
Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?
- Call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Help from Medicare is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. ...
- Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Get free personalized health insurance counseling.
What are the three requirements for Medicare?
- Age 65 or older.
- Disabled.
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?
- Plans can also cost more overall than Original Medicare if you have complex medical needs. ...
- With some plans, you don't have any coverage if you use a doctor that isn't in the network.