Many American workers eligible for Social Security retirement benefits do not understand how to file for social security disability, how these benefits work and what the monthly payment might be. Issues such as earnings and your age when you file for benefits can affect your monthly payment. Other benefits are also available to supplement Social Security. To qualify to receive retirement benefits, you must work and pay Social Security taxes. By doing so, you earn credits, so to speak, toward your total Social Security benefits. The number of credits needed to qualify for benefits are tied to your birth date. American workers born after 1929 need 40 credits, or the equivalent of 10 working years. If you stop working before accumulating 40 credits, you do not lose the credits you have earned. When you return to work, more credits are added. However, you will not be eligible for retirement benefits until you have amassed a minimum of 40 credits. If you have questions about your eligibility, contact a social security attorney near you.