Is it possible to retire after working for just 10 years? It is possible.

But a worry-free retirement? That is a privilege for those who prepare.

Living in the U.S., there is a phrase you will definitely hear.

It is Social Security, known in Korean as 국민연금, which refers to the U.S. social security system called 'Social Security'.

If you work for more than 10 years and pay taxes, you can receive it. You earn 4 credits per year, so if you work for 10 years and have 40 credits, you qualify for benefits.

You may have heard this before. But is it really possible to retire after just 10 years of work?

Will Social Security provide enough for my retirement? Let's find out if it's actually feasible.

Mr. A came to the U.S. at 45 and has been working in a Korean market's butcher department, reporting an income of about $35,000 each year until he turned 55.

Before that, he had not paid taxes at all and has only worked for exactly 10 years, barely accumulating 40 credits.

So, how much Social Security can he actually receive?

To qualify for Social Security, you need 40 credits (i.e., 10 years of reported income).

Here, credits can be earned at a maximum of 4 per year, and as of 2025, you need to earn at least $6,920 to receive all 4 credits for that year.

However, the important thing is that 'filling credits' is just a qualification requirement, and how much you receive is entirely determined by your 'income record' and 'age'.

The benefit amount is calculated based on the highest earning 35 years, but since this person only has 10 years of income records, the remaining 25 years are all calculated as '0'.

$35,000 x 10 years... What is the actual amount received?

Let's calculate. If he consistently reports an income of $35,000 each year for 10 years and applies for early benefits at age 62, the amount he can receive is approximately
$700 to $750 per month. (There may be slight variations depending on inflation rates or circumstances at the time of receipt, but realistically, this is the estimate.)

Social Security is more advantageous with higher income and longer duration. The less you earn over a long time, the less you get back, and the more you earn over a long time, the more you get back.

So, is it possible to retire with this?

To answer directly, "No... it isn't."

The average monthly living expenses for a single elderly person in the U.S. vary by region but are generally estimated to be over $1,800 to $2,500.

It is difficult to cover rent, insurance, medical expenses, and food with just $750 a month.

Especially since the Medicare Part B premium ($174.70/month, as of 2025) must also be paid by the individual, you cannot use the entire pension for living expenses.

If he waits until 67 instead of starting at 62, the monthly benefit amount increases slightly to $900 to $1,000. Alternatively, if he continues to operate the market and report income beyond age 65, the previously calculated zeros will decrease, gradually increasing the benefit amount. Additionally, if he starts contributing to an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) now, he will have a tax benefit and an additional source of income.

Social Security is undoubtedly a significant help, but the idea that "just paying taxes for 10 years solves everything" is risky.

The reality is harsh, and the numbers are honest.

However, if there is a job opportunity, there is a chance. Working for about 5 more years to build an income record and preparing other sources of income besides Social Security is a realistic response.

I hope that those of you reading this will think more about 'how to utilize Social Security more wisely' rather than 'whether you can receive it'.