
For the duration of work test, your work does not have to fall within a certain period. The following table shows how many years of work credits you need to meet the duration of work test based on your age when your disability began.

You need 40 credits to qualify for retirement. Number of Credits Needed for Retirement Benefits Read our publication, " How You Earn Credits," for more information. 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. These extra credits do not increase your benefit amount. You must earn $6,560 to get the maximum 4 credits for the year.ĭuring your lifetime, you might earn more credits than the minimum number you need to be eligible for benefits.

In 2023, you earn 1 Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,640 in covered earnings each year.

The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. You might work all year to earn 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in much less time. Since 1978, you can earn up to a maximum of 4 credits per year.Ĭredits are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year. We cannot pay benefits to you if you don’t have enough credits. We use the number of credits you’ve earned to determine your eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, Medicare, and your family’s eligibility for survivors benefits when you die. The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive.

You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to qualify for Social Security benefits.
