In my role as Finance Director, I regularly receive questions regarding Medicare enrollment and Social Security Retirement Income and Disability.  The following are answers to some of the most common ones.

“How many quarters are required to be eligible for Social Security?”

            Fourty Quarters are necessary to be eligible for both Social Security Retirement Income and Disability (SSDI).  This also lets you enroll in Medicare at a reduced premium rate.  As of 2026, $1,890 of earned income is required per calendar quarter to “earn” that quarter.

“Where can I find information regarding my quarters?”

            If you have not done so already, log in to the Social Security website at: ssa.gov.  After you set up an account, you will be able to view your total quarters, look at future retirement estimates, sign up to receive annual SS estimates, and much more.  For couples, both spouses should set up their own accounts.

“At what age do I have to sign up for Medicare?”

            Most people should sign up when they turn 65.  There is a seven-month enrollment window that starts three months before their birthday month and ends three months after it.

“As a BBFI missionary, am I required to sign up for Medicare?”

            Yes! According to the BBFI Missions policy, ALL missionaries are required to enroll in Medicare upon turning 65.  The reason for this is so that Medicare can become the “primary” insurance if/when the missionary is stateside and needs medical care.  There are no exceptions to this policy.

“At what age can I begin to receive Social Security Retirement Income?”

            You can begin to receive SS retirement income as early as age 62, at a reduced monthly rate.  The “full” retirement age is 66 for those born between 1943 and 1954, gradually increasing to age 67 for those born in 1960 or later.  Each year you delay beginning to receive income, the monthly amount will increase, but you must begin receiving income at age 70, if not before. See the resources below for help determining which age is best for you.

“Can I begin to receive Social Security Retirement Income while remaining a BBFI missionary?”

            Absolutely, yes.  Some BBFI missionaries are under the impression that they must resign as missionaries before they can begin receiving SS retirement income.  This is NOT true.  Receiving this income has no bearing on your status as a missionary.

“Can we, as a couple, split our income so that both spouses get credit for quarters?”

            Yes, you can.  Please reach out to the Finance Office for more information.

---

Resources on Social Security and Medicare

FAQs on the Social Security Website: https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/

Investopedia Article: https://www.investopedia.com/retirement/social-security-faqs/

AARP Articles on Social Security and Medicare:

https://www.aarp.org/social-security/ssa-resources-tools-tips

https://www.aarp.org/social-security/works-with-medicare

FAQs on Medicare: https://www.medicarefaq.com/faqs/turning-65-these-are-the-most-common-medicare-questions-answered/

Social Security Benefit Calculator: https://www.dinkytown.net/java/social-security-benefit-calculator.html

Guide on Taking Social Security: https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/guide-on-taking-social-security