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.
What if I work and pay social security taxes?
In that case you earn up to a maximum of four credits per year.
I see. And how many credits do I need for disability benefits?
Are you eligible for disability benefits?
Yes, I fulfill all conditions.
Then you must meet a recent work test and a duration work test.
What if I earn more credits than I need?
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.
How many credits do I need for retirement benefits?
Were you born after 1928?