4 Ways You Can Earn Social Security Without Working

4 Ways You Can Earn Social Security Without Working

While these are the people we most often think of as recipients, many of their family members may also be eligible, even if they've never worked or paid Social Security taxes. Married people are eligible for up to half of a qualifying spouse's benefits at their full retirement age (FRA), which is 66 or 67, depending on their birth year. First, spouses cannot claim benefits until the worker signs up for Social Security benefits.