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You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits.
You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes.
The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive. 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.
We cannot pay benefits to you if you don’t have enough credits.
How Credits Are Earned
Since 1978, you can earn up to a maximum of 4 credits per year.
Credits are based on your total wages and self-employment income for the year. You might work all year to earn 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in less time.
The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. In 2025, you earn 1 Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings each year. You must earn $7,240 to get the maximum 4 credits for