One of the biggest misconceptions around Social Security is that everyone is entitled to it once they reach a certain age. In reality, Social Security is something you earn -- specifically, by paying into the program through taxes on your wages.

To qualify for Social Security benefits in retirement, you need to accrue 40 work credits in your lifetime. And you can earn a maximum of four credits per year.

This year, $1,640 of earnings will render you eligible for a single work credit. But next year, it will take $1,730 to qualify for a work credit. And that's an important detail to keep in mind if you work on a very part-time basis.

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Source Fool.com