1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated January 18, 2022Social Security: Who Is Covered Under the Program?Social Security pays cash benefits to over 65 million people each month. In all cases, a Social Security beneficiary becomes eligible for benefits either by working in a job that is covered by S
2、ocial Security (a covered worker), by having a close family relationship to a covered worker, or both (among other requirements). For people who work in jobs that are covered by Social Security, participation is mandatory. Covered workers and their employers are required to pay Social Security payro
3、ll taxes. In 2022, workers pay 6.2% of earnings in covered employment up to a maximum earnings of $147,000. The maximum is adjusted annually based on average wage growth in the national economy. Employers pay a corresponding amount6.2% of the workers covered earnings up to the annual maximum. Self-e
4、mployed workers pay 12.4% of net earnings up to the annual maximum. To become eligible for benefits, a worker must have a sufficient connection to covered employment, which is measured in terms of Quarters of Coverage (QCs). In 2022, a worker earns one QC for every $1,510 in covered earnings up to a