Older workers uninsured for retired-worker benefits

This article estimates the number of persons who have worked in employment covered by the social security program but not enough to meet minimum requirements for retired-worker benefits. On the basis of a sample of persons near retirement age in 1973, it was found that about 70 percent of these persons are women, that they have worked an average of about 8 quarters, and that many of those ineligible have had no work in covered employment since 1950. An estimated 12 percent of men and 29 percent of women aged 57--64 in 1973, with some covered employment in the period 1937--73, will be ineligible for retired-worker benefits. When only those with more recent covered employment are considered, the percentage ineligible declines. Thus, of those who have worked since 1950, 6 percent of the men and 20 percent of the women will not qualify.