An insured's status under Social Security can be described as which of the following?

• A. Fully insured
• B. Partially insured
• C. Not insured
• D. Over insured

Answer: (A)

Fully insured means you’ve earned enough work credits under Social Security to qualify for benefits, typically retirement benefits at full retirement age and also disability or survivor benefits if other conditions are met. Credits are earned with earnings reported to Social Security, up to four credits per year; reaching 40 credits (about 10 years of work) generally makes you fully insured.

The other terms don’t apply as official statuses. Being not fully insured would mean you haven’t accumulated enough credits yet, so you wouldn’t qualify for full benefits. “Over insured” isn’t a recognized status in Social Security. Some sources mention being “currently insured” for certain benefits, but the standard, full qualification status discussed in this question is fully insured.