My mother is one credit short to receive Social Security. She was a stay at home mom and worked very little over the years. Is it worth setting her up a business (like dog walking) for a year to earn that extra credit?

Hi,

I can't say for sure without knowing more about your mother's situation. For example, if she could qualify for spousal or survivor benefits on a current or prior spouse's record then there may be little or no advantage in qualifying for benefits on her own record.

Your mother may want to consider using our maximization software to do some research. The software should be able to tell her how much she could receive if she does earn the additional quarter of coverage (https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/QC.html) as well as help her determine if she may qualify for other benefits.

Best, Jerry