Social Security Benefits question

My aunt worked in NY for 6 yrs back in the 80's, with a green card/resident status. She paid into social security. She's been living in Spain for over 25 yrs and is now eligible to receive. They told her she was eligible, but I'm under the assumption she was supposed to be working at least 10 years to receive. Anyone know anything? tia

Re: Social Security Benefits question

You can also share credits with a spouse or I believe your sponsor.

Re: Social Security Benefits question

DH's grandmother gets social security benefits and never worked in the US.

DH's parents have been living and working in the US for 30 years. Not sure exactly when his grandmother moved to the US or received a green card.

Even though his grandmother benefits, DH hates that his grandmother is able to receive social security benefits even if she never paid into it. Our system is broken! Pretty sure DH and I will never see a penny from social security.

Re: Social Security Benefits question

I know ridiculous. It's like my aunt forgot all about it for over 2 decades & suddenly someone in her country says "oh I'm sure you can receive etc" & now have to research for her how to get, if she can. I mean she did work & pay into it, but come on, you don't live here anymore & its more a hassle to me than what its worth lol

Re: Social Security Benefits question

LINK

Their website has some decent info but she'd probably have to actually call to file to see if this would apply to her.

Re: Social Security Benefits question

It depends on so many issues, like whether there is a totalization agreement with the country she is living in, her current age, whether there was a spouse. I think she can either go to the equivalent of the SSA office in Spain or to the US embassy.