Social Security benefits contribute predominantly to your financial future when it comes to retirement or disability and for providing for your family after you are gone. For this, you must understand how these credits for Social Security work and how many you need to know if you can even qualify for these benefits.
How do you earn Social Security credits?
You earn Social Security credits through work and paying Social Security taxes. When you work at a job or are self-employed, part of your earnings is automatically taken out to go toward Social Security taxes. These taxes help you earn credits that count toward your benefits.
- You can earn up to 4 credits each year.
- In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 you make in covered earnings.
- You need to earn $7,240 to get the full 4 credits for the year.
It does not matter if you earn all 4 credits quickly or over the whole year — what matters is how much you earn, not how long you work.
How many Social Security credits do you need for retirement benefits?
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you need 40 credits. This equals about 10 years of work.
Even if you have worked more than 10 years, earning extra credits will not increase your benefit amount. The amount you receive in retirement benefits is based on your average earnings over your working years, not the total number of credits you earn.
How many Social Security credits do you need for disability benefits?
The number of credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled.
Here is a breakdown:
- If you are under 24, you need 6 credits earned in the 3 years before your disability starts.
- If you are between 24 and 31, you need to have worked half the time between age 21 and the age your disability began. For example, if you become disabled at 27, you would need 12 credits (3 years of work).
- If you are 31 or older, you need at least 20 credits in the 10 years before your disability started.
How many Social Security credits do you need for survivors benefits?
Survivor benefits can help your family if you pass away. The number of credits your family needs depends on your age at the time of death.
- The younger you are, the fewer credits your family needs.
- No one needs more than 40 credits to qualify.
- Under a special rule, your spouse and children could receive benefits if you have at least 6 credits earned in the 3 years before your death.
If you were already receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits at the time of your death, your family will automatically qualify based on your record.
Can you earn more credits to increase your benefit amount?
Earning more than the required number of Social Security credits will not increase the amount of your monthly benefit. What matters most is how much you earned during your working years, not how many credits you have.
However, working longer and earning more money can increase your average earnings, which could lead to a higher benefit amount.
Social Security credits are the foundation for your benefits. Knowing how they work helps you plan better for your financial future.
Continue reading:
How long does it take to get my child’s Social Security number?
Can you get IRS tax credit if you don’t have a Social Security number?
How do I change or correct my name on my Social Security number card?
