The social security administration defines household workers as anyone who is employed to work in or around someone's home. Some common examples would be babysitters, maids, butlers, cooks, laundry workers, gardeners, and chauffeurs. If you're a household worker, it's important to understand that you, too, can earn credits under social security. But first, your employer must report your wages to the irs, and deduct the necessary taxes. Make sure your employer sees your social security card, and that he or she withholds social security taxes from your earnings. Your employer must also pay a matching tax amount, and send the total tax to the irs, along with a report of your wages. Remember, if the wages aren't reported, you won't earn social security credit for your work. That means you may not get enough credits to qualify for monthly benefits when you retire, or if you become disabled or die. Even if you do get benefits, they may be lower than they should be, if all your lifetime earnings have not been reported. If you are being paid by an individual, and are not sure if they're paying your taxes, contact the social security office.
