How to Get the Social Security Credits You Need

Social Security benefits represent a significant part of financial security for millions of individuals and families. Understanding how these benefits are earned and maintained is an important aspect of personal financial planning. A foundational element of eligibility for Social Security is the accumulation of Social Security credits, earned through covered employment or self-employment. These credits determine whether someone qualifies for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Understanding how to earn and track these credits is essential for securing future financial well-being.

Understanding Social Security Credits

Social Security credits, sometimes referred to as “quarters of coverage,” are the fundamental units used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine eligibility for various benefits. These credits are accumulated through work when an individual pays Social Security taxes on their earnings. They establish a work history necessary to qualify for future payments.

Credits are tied to a certain level of annual earnings, not the specific amount of taxes paid. A maximum of four credits can be earned within any calendar year, regardless of how high an individual’s earnings might be. This system recognizes a consistent work history for benefit eligibility.

Earning Social Security Credits

Individuals earn Social Security credits through taxable earnings from employment or net earnings from self-employment. Each year, the Social Security Administration sets a specific earnings amount required to earn one credit. Once this amount is earned, an individual receives one credit, up to a maximum of four credits per year.

For instance, in 2024, one Social Security credit requires $1,730 in earnings. To earn the maximum of four credits, a person needs $6,920 in covered earnings. The earnings threshold typically increases each year; for example, in 2025, one credit will require $1,810 in earnings, necessitating $7,240 for four credits.

Credits are accumulated whether an individual works for an employer or is self-employed. For employees, Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA taxes) are automatically withheld from wages and reported to the SSA. Self-employed individuals earn credits based on their net earnings and pay self-employment taxes directly, which include Social Security and Medicare contributions.

Credit Requirements for Social Security Benefits

The number of Social Security credits required to qualify for benefits varies depending on the type of benefit and the individual’s age or circumstances. For retirement benefits, most individuals need to accumulate 40 credits, which typically equates to 10 years of work. Earning these 40 credits makes a person “fully insured,” qualifying them for lifetime retirement benefits once they reach the eligible age.

For disability benefits, the credit requirements are more nuanced and depend on the individual’s age at the time they become disabled. Younger individuals generally need fewer credits to qualify. For example, if a person becomes disabled before age 24, they may need 6 credits earned in the three-year period ending when their disability began. Those between ages 24 and 31 typically need credit for working half the time between age 21 and the onset of their disability. Individuals aged 31 or older usually need at least 20 credits in the 10-year period immediately preceding their disability.

Survivor benefits, paid to eligible family members of a deceased worker, also depend on the worker’s earned credits. While 40 credits generally qualify a worker for full survivor coverage, fewer credits may be sufficient, especially for younger workers. For instance, a special rule allows benefits to be paid to a worker’s children and their spouse caring for the children if the worker had 6 credits in the three years immediately before their death.

Monitoring Your Social Security Earnings Record

Regularly reviewing your Social Security earnings record is a proactive step to ensure the accuracy of your benefit eligibility. The most convenient way is by creating a “my Social Security” online account on the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website. This online portal provides access to your personal earnings history and allows you to verify reported wages and self-employment income.

Within your “my Social Security” account, you can view a detailed record of your credited earnings year by year. You can also see an estimate of your future Social Security benefits for retirement, disability, and survivor coverage. Carefully check these records for any discrepancies. If you find an error, contact the SSA to report it, as inaccuracies could impact your future benefit amounts.

For those who prefer not to use the online system, the SSA provides an option to request a paper copy of your Social Security Statement by mail. This statement contains the same valuable information about your earnings record and estimated benefits.