How credits are earned
You earn credits based on your yearly earnings, not how long you worked. In 2026, $1,890 of covered earnings buys one credit, and you can earn at most four per year, which takes $7,560. In 2027 the amount is $1,970 per credit and $7,880 for four. Self-employed work counts if you pay self-employment tax.
Retirement: 40 credits
Most people need 40 credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify for their own retirement benefit.
SSDI: the credits depend on your age
For disability, SSA applies two tests: you need enough total credits for your age, and (if you are 31 or older) recent work credits.
| Age when disabled | Total credits generally needed |
|---|---|
| Before 24 | 6 credits in the 3 years before disability |
| 24 to 30 | Credits for half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled |
| 31 to 42 | 20 |
| 44 | 22 |
| 46 | 24 |
| 48 | 26 |
| 50 | 28 |
| 52 | 30 |
| 54 | 32 |
| 56 | 34 |
| 58 | 36 |
| 60 | 38 |
| 62 or older | 40 |
The recent work test
If you are 31 or older, you also generally need 20 of your credits earned in the 10 years before your disability began. Some people with statutory blindness are exempt from this test.
How to check your credits
Sign in to your my Social Security account and view your earnings record. A missing year can cost you credits or reduce your benefit, so review it and ask SSA to correct mistakes.