If you are a farm worker, your work may be covered by Social Security. This means your boss must report to Social Security how much they paid you so you can get credit for your work.
Your wages from your farm work are covered by Social Security if:
- Your employer pays you $150 or more in cash wages during the calendar year for farm work.
- You are paid less than $150 in cash wages, but your employer reports total expenses for agricultural labor to the IRS of $2,500 or more for the year.
If you are a seasonal agricultural worker, Social Security covers your wages only if you are paid at least $150 in cash for the job. All of the below requirements must be met for seasonal workers:
- You commute to work daily from your home.
- You are paid on a piece-rate basis.
- You are employed less than 13 weeks during the prior year.
The best way to make sure your boss is reporting your earnings correctly is by creating a my Social Security account and reviewing your Statement online. The Statement shows how much you have earned each year and tells you how much money you and your family may get in Social Security benefits.