Dear Rusty: I retired from a municipal Fire Department seven years ago at the age of 54. It is a private pension, and I was exempt from Social Security while I was working. I receive about $50,000 per year in pension benefits. I recently got a letter from Social Security saying I needed eight more credits of work to qualify for Social Security benefits. I was wondering if I worked two more years, paying into Social Security, would I qualify for benefits, since I am on a municipal pension? Signed: Retired Fireman