As Americans prepare for the start of a new year, many are monitoring their bank accounts for the monthly Social Security payments that millions rely on for essential living expenses. In 2026, retirees, disabled workers, and survivors across the United States will continue to receive benefits designed to provide a financial safety net.
However, under current law, not everyone is eligible for Social Security benefits. While most Americans who have worked in jobs covered by Social Security can expect monthly payments, two groups of people are permanently barred from receiving benefits, including in 2026. Unlike temporary delays or reductions in payments, this ineligibility is absolute unless federal law changes.
Who Qualifies for Social Security? A Quick Overview
Before examining those permanently excluded, it’s important to understand how eligibility generally works:
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Workers earn Social Security “credits” based on their income and the number of years they pay Social Security payroll taxes.
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In 2026, a worker earns 1 credit for every $1,820 of earnings, up to 4 credits per year.
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40 credits (roughly 10 years of work) are required to qualify for retirement benefits.
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Disability and survivor benefits have slightly different credit requirements, often based on age and length of employment.
Most workers who meet these requirements will eventually collect payments, but not everyone meets the minimum thresholds.
Group 1: People Who Never Earn Enough Work Credits
The largest group permanently excluded from Social Security benefits is people who fail to accumulate enough work credits.
How Work Credits Work
| Year | Earnings Required for 1 Credit | Maximum Credits Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,820 | 4 |
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40 total credits are needed for retirement benefits.
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Disability and survivor benefits require fewer credits but still impose minimum thresholds.
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Individuals who never accumulate the required credits cannot qualify, even after reaching retirement age.
Who Falls Into This Group?
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Late-arriving immigrants – People who move to the U.S. after age 50 often have insufficient working years to earn 40 credits.
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Sporadic or intermittent workers – Individuals who work part-time, take extended career breaks, or hold seasonal jobs may never reach the threshold.
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Informal workers – Income earned off the books or in jobs not covered by Social Security does not count toward credits.
Example: Jane, 63, worked intermittently in freelance construction for several years but never earned enough reported income to accumulate 40 credits. Despite being of retirement age, she will never receive Social Security payments unless the law changes.
Group 2: Individuals Who Opted Out Through a Religious Exemption
A smaller but notable group of people is those who voluntarily opt out of Social Security for religious reasons.
Under U.S. law, certain religious groups, such as Amish and Mennonite communities, can apply for an exemption from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes using IRS Form 4029.
Key Details of the Exemption
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Who Qualifies | Members of recognized religious groups opposing insurance benefits |
| How to Opt Out | File IRS Form 4029 |
| Effect | Permanent waiver of all Social Security and Medicare benefits |
| Payment Eligibility | None — individuals forfeit retirement, disability, and survivor benefits |
Even if someone later changes their mind, benefits cannot be claimed retroactively. This legal exemption ensures that those who opt out are permanently ineligible for Social Security payments, including the 2026 cycle.
Common Misunderstandings About Social Security Ineligibility
Some Americans confuse permanent ineligibility with temporary issues. Those temporarily not receiving benefits might include:
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Younger workers who have not yet reached retirement age
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People whose benefits are reduced or delayed due to excess earnings
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Individuals awaiting approval for disability claims
These people remain eligible; only the two groups outlined above face permanent exclusion.
Why This Matters for Retirement Planning
Understanding Social Security eligibility is crucial for long-term financial planning. Those who will never receive benefits need alternative retirement strategies:
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Savings plans – 401(k)s, IRAs, or personal investments
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Private insurance – Disability or long-term care insurance
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Community support – For religious communities, local cooperative savings or assistance programs
Financial advisors often emphasize starting planning early, especially for individuals who may not qualify for Social Security benefits.
Legislative Context
Congress can change Social Security eligibility rules, including credit requirements. However:
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No current legislation would retroactively grant benefits to people who never met work credit requirements.
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Individuals who opted out for religious reasons are legally barred under existing law, and changes would require explicit congressional action.
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Recent reforms have focused mainly on trust fund solvency, benefit calculations, and cost-of-living adjustments, rather than expanding eligibility.
Quick Summary Table: Two Groups Permanently Ineligible for Social Security
| Group | Why They Are Ineligible | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Insufficient Work Credits | Did not earn 40 Social Security credits | Late-arriving immigrants, intermittent or informal workers |
| Religious Exemption | Voluntarily opted out via IRS Form 4029 | Some Amish, Mennonite, or other recognized religious group members |
Bottom Line
While Social Security remains a cornerstone of retirement security for millions of Americans, not everyone is eligible.
Under current law, only two groups are permanently excluded from receiving Social Security benefits:
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People who never earn enough work credits
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Individuals who voluntarily opted out for religious reasons
For all others, Social Security continues to provide critical financial support, including for retirees, disabled workers, and survivors in 2026. Understanding eligibility rules now can help ensure that Americans plan effectively for their financial futures.
