Of course. 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.
40 it is. So what do I need to do to be eligible for disability benefits?
You must meet a recent work test and a duration work test.
Back to those credits: do extra credits increase the amount of benefit I get?
These extra credits do not increase your benefit amount. The average of your earnings over your working years counts, not the total number of credits you earn.
Let's say I got disabled at 27, how many credits would I require for the disability benefits?
You would need 3 years of work, 12 credits out of the past 6 years between ages 21 and 27.
How many credits would I need to pass the work test?
The number of credits necessary to meet the recent work test depends on your age.
Okay, I get that. How do I earn credits then?
Do you work and pay Social Security taxes?
Yes, to both.