What Is the Social Security Special Minimum Benefit?
To qualify for the special minimum benefit, you need to have worked 11 years or more and earned a minimum amount of taxable income.
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The Social Security special minimum benefit provides a primary insurance amount (PIA) to low-earning workers. The lowest minimum benefit, with at least 11 years of work, is $53.50 per month in 2025. The maximum benefit, which requires at least 30 years of work, is $1,123.70 per month in 2025.
Unlike regular Social Security, which pays out retirement benefits according to your past income, special minimum benefits are calculated based on how many years you’ve worked.
The monthly amount varies based on when you file for Social Security retirement benefits.
You'll receive less if you file early. You can file for benefits starting at age 62, but the amount will be lower than if you file at or after full retirement age, which is 67 for those born after 1960 (and a little lower for those born before 1960).
You'll receive 100% at full retirement age or later. Unlike with regular retirement benefits, you won't receive a higher payout if you file past full retirement age, the Social Security Administration confirms.
The Social Security special minimum benefit is a program that was enacted in 1972 in order to provide benefits to those who earn a low wage.
Who receives the special minimum Social Security benefit?
To qualify for the special minimum Social Security benefit, you need to have worked at least 11 years while earning at least a certain amount of taxable income. That minimum is $19,620 in 2025 and $20,565 in 2026.
The benefit caps out at 30 years of work, at which time you’ll qualify for the full special minimum as the primary insurance amount.
When you retire, you get the higher of two Social Security benefits: either the special minimum benefit or your regular Social Security retirement benefits. You can’t receive both payments at the same time.
Did you know that Medicare Part B premiums are usually automatically deducted from your Social Security retirement checks? Learn more about how much Medicare actually costs.
What factors affect your benefit amount?
If you qualify for the special minimum, there are two main factors that affect your monthly payout:
How long you worked. The number of years that you work directly affects the income that you’ll receive. You’re eligible for the prorated special minimum benefit after just 11 years of work, but sticking it out for a full 30 years will net you the highest monthly payments possible.
When you file for benefits. The monthly payouts for your retirement benefits will be lower if you file as soon as you’re eligible at age 62. The full retirement age for those born after 1960 is 67, though it’s a little lower if you were born earlier.
If you choose to retire at 62 and start receiving your benefits, you’ll be getting about 30% less than if you waited until you were 67.
