Which of the following is a benefit of having fully insured status?

Having fully insured status typically refers to an individual's contributions to the Social Security system, particularly impacting eligibility for various benefits. When someone has fully insured status, they have earned enough credits through their work history, which qualifies them for certain benefits upon reaching retirement age.

The correct answer relates to retirement income at age 62 or older because being fully insured under Social Security allows individuals to access retirement benefits. These benefits provide a critical source of income for retirees and are initiated based on the number of work credits an individual has accrued over their lifetime.

The other options do not accurately represent the advantages of being fully insured. While permanent long-term disability coverage and coverage for long-term care services may be part of various insurance plans, they are not guaranteed solely by having fully insured status. Premium-free Medicare Part B, on the other hand, is typically available to those who have worked a certain length of time, but it is more accurately connected to Medicare eligibility rather than directly to being fully insured. Thus, the knowledge of Social Security and its benefits highlights why retirement income at age 62 or older is the correct benefit associated with having fully insured status.