I have no misconceptions about what SS (FICA) is or how it's collected, funded, and distributed.

I paid into SS, it's not an "entitlement" program like Medicaid or welfare benefits paid from other sources of funding that don't have a contribution qualifier.

If you never worked or paid into SS, you generally cannot collect (with limited exceptions, i.e. disabled children). I'm aware of most of the disqualifiers including the minimum number of work credits. I also know approximately when I'm going to max out on paying every year.