Social Security Credits 
You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. You earn Social Security credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive. It only determines if you are eligible or not. You do not get extra benefits for earning more than the minimum number of credits. We cannot pay benefits to you if you don t have enough credits. We use the amount of credits you ve earned to determine your eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, as well as your family s eligibility for survivors benefits when you die. 

How Credits Are Earned 
Since 1978 , when you work and pay Social Security taxes , you earn up to a maximum of four credits per year. Credits are based on your total wages and self - employment income for the year. You might work all year to earn four credits , or you might earn enough for all four in much less time. The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. In 2020 , you earn one Social Security or Medicare credit for every $1,410 in covered earnings each year. You must earn $5,640 to get the maximum four credits for the year. During your lifetime , you might earn more credits than the minimum number you need to be eligible for benefits. These extra credits do not increase your benefit amount. The average of your earnings over your working years , not the total number of credits you earn , determines how much your monthly payment will be when you receive benefits. Read our publication, " How You Earn Credits, " for more information. 

Number Of Credits Needed For Retirement Benefits 
If you were born after 1928 , you need 40 credits to qualify for retirement. 

Number Of Credits Needed For Disability Benefits 
To be eligible for disability benefits , you must meet a recent work test and a duration work test. The number of credits necessary to meet the recent work test depends on your age. The rule

user: Hi I was wondering if I could find some answers to questions that I have about Social Security Credits.

assistant: The way it works is as follows: Social Security credits are earned when you work and pay Social Security taxes. You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to qualify for Social Security benefits.

user: And how long until I'm eligible?

assistant: You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to qualify for Social Security benefits.

user: What happens if I die and I'm receiving benefits. How much will my survivors benefits be?

assistant: In that circumstance, we will pay your survivors based on that entitlement. We will not have to determine your credits again.

user: How many credits are needed to begin receiving benefits for a disabilty?

assistant: Have you been deemed eligible for disability benefits?

user: No I'm just gathering information for someone.

user: How is the amount of money earned per credit calculated?

assistant: How the system works is:
You earn one Social Security or Medicare credit for every $ 1,410 in covered earnings each year and you must earn $ 5,640 to get the maximum four credits for the year. Please remember that the amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year.