Credits earned are based on wages earned after 1936 and up to and including the calendar quarter that the worker dies. Before 1978, credit was obtained as of the first day of that quarter. Under the revised definition of credit in effect after 1977, the number of credits assigned to a calendar year depends on the amount or earnings credited to that year. This is true regardless of the type of earnings credited. If you earn less than four credits in a year, the credits are assigned to a specific quarter when needed to meet insured status or increase the amount payable.
Credit is effective on the first day of the quarter that it is assigned.
Credit for agricultural wages was obtained in the same manner as non-agricultural wages from 1951 through 1954. From 1955 through 1977, a farm employee acquired credits based on total covered wages paid to him or her for farm work during a calendar year. After 1977, a farm employee earns a credit for each designated amount in cash wages paid during the year.