Or you could pick up this quick easy 1 hour guide and get all your basic questions answered simply and effectively in this book youll learn the basics of the social security and medicare process you need to know the eligibility requirements as well as how and when to apply to maximize your benefit. For social security the first main consideration is to work for at least 35 years as this benefit takes into consideration your highest 35 years of work history says joseph roseman managing partner of owrs firm in charlotte north carolina each year is indexed to an inflation number he says if you have less than 35 years of earning history you get zero credit for those years . Social security applicants now have fewer filing options than they had in the past but there are still some strategies that can help you maximize your benefits for yourself and your loved ones. Social security retirement benefits used to be income tax free they still are in most states but the federal government began taxing them in the 1980s and increased the taxes on higher income . Since medicare is such an important part of your benefits in retirement we will cover some of the basics of medicare and the relationship between medicare and social security medicare part a hospital insurance covers hospital inpatient care some skilled nursing facility care not long term care hospice care and some home health care