For comparison the UK SS system is different as follows.
1. Each person earns benefits on their own record only, there are no spousal benefits including no survivor benefits. Maximum benefits is after 35 years of contributions and retirement age is now 67. (No early retirement)
2. There has to be at least 10 years of contributions but once you have 3 years of contributions you can make voluntary contributions each year if you are not working. This means that a household with a non-working spouse can pay into the other's account.
3. If a spouse is not working and has a child under school age they are credited with a full year of contributions.
1. Each person earns benefits on their own record only, there are no spousal benefits including no survivor benefits. Maximum benefits is after 35 years of contributions and retirement age is now 67. (No early retirement)
2. There has to be at least 10 years of contributions but once you have 3 years of contributions you can make voluntary contributions each year if you are not working. This means that a household with a non-working spouse can pay into the other's account.
3. If a spouse is not working and has a child under school age they are credited with a full year of contributions.