Final answer:
To be considered "currently insured" under Social Security, an individual must have at least 40 work credits. Social Security provides retirement benefits based on lifetime earnings, with lower-income earners receiving a greater share of benefits. Social Security is a social insurance program that helps provide financial security for individuals as they age.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to be considered "currently insured" under Social Security, an individual must be credited with 40 work credits. Social Security is the United States social insurance program designed to act as a social safety net as people age. It provides monthly retirement benefits to individuals 65 and older, but the amount of money a worker receives is based loosely on that worker's lifetime earnings. Lower-income earners receive benefits that are a greater share of their earnings compared to higher-income earners.