Q: A good friend of mine is quickly approaching retirement age but has always worked “under the table” as a housekeeper or nanny. She hasn’t been able to save much over the years and she’s getting a little too old to scrub floors or chase after toddlers. Is there any way she could qualify for Social Security benefits?
A: If she’s married and her spouse has paid into Social Security for at least 10 years, she could claim a benefit based on his work record. If she’s not married now but was married for at least 10 years to someone who paid into the system, she could also qualify.
Otherwise, she’s pretty much out of luck.
This is why workers–and household employers–should avoid under-the-table arrangements like the plague. The short-term savings on taxes have real and long-term implications for people’s lives.
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