What is the period referred to in which an insured must have earned coverage for Social Security benefits?

The correct answer is quarters, which refers to the specific time frame that the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines for an individual to earn coverage for benefits. To qualify for Social Security benefits, individuals must earn a certain number of work credits, which are calculated based on their earnings over a designated period.

As of now, the SSA requires a person to earn a total of 40 credits to qualify for retirement benefits, and individuals can earn up to four credits per year, with each credit representing a specific amount of income earned. This system of credits is measured in quarters, meaning that a person's work history is tracked quarterly. Thus, the use of quarters is integral to understanding how coverage is accumulated over time in the Social Security system.

Understanding that benefits are based on quarters helps clarify how changes in employment and income can affect eligibility and the amount of benefits someone might receive based on their work history. The other options, such as months, years, and days, do not align with the SSA's structure for earning work credits.