I-864 What is 40 quarters of coverage under SSA?

[silvermug 16]

In the form I-864, the obligations are explained at the end of the form. Can someone please explain what the line means: Has worked, or can be credited with, 40 quarters of coverage under the Social Security Act.

Thank you.

Cristine

[nickbits 43]

Basically, if the beneficiary works for 10 years in the US, the sponsor is off the hook.

Edited September 21, 2010 by nickbits

[silvermug 16]

Basically, if the beneficiary works for 10 years in the US, the sponsor is off the hook.

[/quote Thank you.

[JimVaPhuong 4,864]

Every quarter of a year that you work and pay into the Social Security system is a qualifying quarter. If you're married, then you're also credited with any qualifying quarters your spouse accumulates during the marriage. If both spouses are working full time, with no periods of unemployment, then the 40 quarters can be accrued in as little as five years. In the worst case, an immigrant who doesn't work might never accumulate enough quarters to end the obligation.