How to Get 40 Credits for Social Security

Social Security provides financial protection for millions across the United States. This federal program offers benefits for individuals and their families during retirement, disability, and in the event of a worker’s passing. Eligibility for these benefits is determined by “credits” that individuals earn through their work history and contributions to the Social Security system. Understanding how these credits are accumulated is an important step in securing future financial stability.

Understanding and Earning Social Security Credits

Social Security credits are the building blocks that determine eligibility for Social Security benefits. These credits are earned through work when individuals pay Social Security taxes on their earnings. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses these credits, along with an individual’s earnings history, to assess qualification for various programs.

The amount of earnings required to earn one Social Security credit adjusts annually to account for changes in average wages. For 2025, an individual earns one credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings. By earning a total of $7,240 in a calendar year, an individual can earn the maximum of four credits available for that year.

Credits are not necessarily tied to calendar quarters; instead, they are based on total annual earnings. An individual can earn all four credits for the year in a shorter period if they earn the required annual amount. For example, if someone earns $7,240 or more early in the year, they will have earned all four credits for that year, regardless of whether they continue working.

An individual cannot earn more than four Social Security credits in any single calendar year, even if their earnings significantly exceed the amount needed. These earned credits remain permanently on an individual’s Social Security record, regardless of job changes or periods of unemployment. This system ensures that contributions made throughout a working life are recognized and contribute towards future benefit eligibility.

The Significance of 40 Credits

Accumulating 40 Social Security credits signifies that an individual is “fully insured” under the Social Security program. For most people, earning 40 credits is equivalent to approximately 10 years of work, assuming they earn the maximum four credits each year. This fully insured status is a prerequisite for receiving many types of Social Security benefits.

The primary benefit that 40 credits qualifies an individual for is retirement benefits, paid to the worker themselves upon reaching their eligible retirement age. Being fully insured also enables certain family members to receive benefits based on the worker’s earnings record. For instance, a spouse may be eligible for spousal benefits, and eligible family members can receive survivor benefits after the worker’s death.

Earning 40 Social Security credits generally qualifies an individual for premium-free Medicare Part A, which covers hospital insurance. This means that once an individual reaches age 65, they typically will not have to pay a monthly premium for this component of Medicare, having already contributed through payroll taxes during their working years. While 40 credits is the standard for most benefits, some Social Security benefits, such as disability or certain survivor benefits, may have different credit requirements depending on the worker’s age at the time of disability or death.

Checking Your Social Security Credit Record

Regularly reviewing your Social Security credit record ensures the accuracy of your earnings history. The most convenient way to access this information is through a personal “my Social Security” account on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) official website, ssa.gov/myaccount.

To create a “my Social Security” account, individuals must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid email address and Social Security number. The process involves creating a credential with one of the SSA’s approved service providers, such as Login.gov or ID.me, which verify identity securely. Once an account is established, users can access their annual Social Security Statement, which provides a comprehensive summary of their earned credits, earnings history, and estimates of future benefits.

Reviewing this statement annually is important to verify that all earnings have been accurately reported to the SSA. If any errors or discrepancies are found in the earnings record, contact the SSA promptly for correction. Individuals may need to provide supporting documentation, such as W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or pay stubs, to substantiate their claim. While there is generally a time limit of three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the taxable year for correcting earnings records, exceptions exist for certain situations, such as fraud or clear errors. The SSA can be contacted by phone or by visiting a local Social Security office to initiate the correction process.