Have you tried AI?
I'm in a similar position, but further from retirement. I've been using it to familiarise myself with the topic so I'm prepared when the time comes. You have to be sceptical with AI, but I plan to verify the information with official sources when coming closer to retirement.
#### **1. Minimum Requirement for U.S. Social Security**
Normally, to qualify for U.S. Social Security retirement benefits, you need:
* **40 credits**, which is equivalent to about **10 years of work** in the U.S.
* You earn up to **4 credits per year**, so 8 years likely gives you **32 credits**.
#### **2. Totalization Agreement Between the U.S. and Ireland**
Since you don't meet the 40-credit minimum, the **U.S.-Ireland Totalization Agreement** allows you to **combine your U.S. and Irish work credits** to meet the eligibility requirement.
* If your combined Irish and U.S. work credits meet or exceed the 40-quarter threshold, you can **qualify for a prorated U.S. benefit.**
* You **won’t receive full U.S. Social Security**, but you’ll get a **partial benefit based on your actual U.S. earnings**.
#### **3. Applying for Benefits**
* When the time comes to retire, **contact the social security administration** in either country.
* If you live in Ireland at retirement, you can apply through the **Irish Department of Social Protection**.
* You’ll need documentation of your work history in both countries.
---
### Summary
*
**Yes**, with the help of the totalization agreement, you **can likely qualify**.
* You’ll get a **reduced benefit** based on your U.S. work record.
* When retiring, you must **explicitly apply under the totalization agreement** if you don't meet the 40 U.S. credit requirement alone.