paying social security without a real job

[steve-phuket 10]

my wife just got an I-797 employment authorization as part of the AOS I-485 application. she actually has no real plans to work, we're both basically retired. but it would be advantageous for her to get SS in 10 years (i know its necessary to work 10 year, 4 points a year to get 40 points to be eligible for SS). Also i'd like her to get my survivor benefits when i eventually kick the bucket.

 

given she doesn't have a real job, what's the alternative? i'm guessing just file taxes and SS as self employed and make up a job like house keeper, nanny or something. do you think the IRS and SS admin would take a dim view of someone doing that if not working. usually they what to find people who don't pay tax on income, not the other way round, so i'm thinking OK.

 

also, down the road i'd like her to get citizenship. is that easier if she has paid taxes and SS or don't they care?

 

what do you all think? thanks

 

 

Edited November 26, 2022 by steve-phuket

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

17 minutes ago, steve-phuket said:

(i know its necessary to work 10 year, 4 points a year to get 40 points to be eligible for SS)

For older folks, there are some little known benefits.

Medicare for Immigrants - General Immigration-Related Discussion - VisaJourney

Edited November 26, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[TBoneTX 45,654]

It's good that you're thinking ahead in such detailed fashion.  Just don't lie or fib about anything.  Whether in regard to immigration or outside life, it can come back to bite you.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

On 11/26/2022 at 4:09 PM, steve-phuket said:

my wife just got an I-797 employment authorization as part of the AOS I-485 application. she actually has no real plans to work, we're both basically retired. but it would be advantageous for her to get SS in 10 years (i know its necessary to work 10 year, 4 points a year to get 40 points to be eligible for SS). 

How is she covered for health insurance currently? Will she be able to receive health insurance as the spouse of a retiree by chance?  Private pay insurance is very costly with poor benefits for the elderly. She could qualify for Medicare at age 65 with 40 quarters paid into Social Security. She can also qualify based on your Medicare if you are still alive when she reaches 65. And there are ways to pay higher amounts for Medicare. You should look into the source at Medicare.gov

 

On 11/26/2022 at 4:09 PM, steve-phuket said:

Also i'd like her to get my survivor benefits when i eventually kick the bucket.

You don’t have to die for her to receive spousal benefits as early as age 62. See the ssa explanation https://www.ssa.gov/oact/quickcalc/spouse.html

 

On 11/26/2022 at 4:09 PM, steve-phuket said:

also, down the road i'd like her to get citizenship. is that easier if she has paid taxes and SS or don't they care?

They don’t care. When you file a joint return, she is jointly paying taxes as a joint filer. 
 

On 11/26/2022 at 4:09 PM, steve-phuket said:

given she doesn't have a real job, what's the alternative? i'm guessing just file taxes and SS as self employed and make up a job like house keeper, nanny or something. do you think the IRS and SS admin would take a dim view of someone doing that if not working. usually they what to find people who don't pay tax on income, not the other way round, so i'm thinking OK.

NO. Ridiculous idea and could head you down a slippery slope toward fraud. Is her fake employer going to send her a fake 1099 wage statement as well as report it to the IRS with a fake employer Tax ID?  Keep it honest.