What Are Quarters of Coverage?
Quarters of Coverage — also called Quarters of Coverage (QCs), QC
Quarters of Coverage are the Social Security work credits used to determine whether you have worked enough to qualify for benefits such as retirement, disability, or survivors benefits.
Official source: ssa.gov
What are quarters of coverage?
Quarters of Coverage (QCs) are the work credits Social Security uses to determine whether you have worked enough in jobs covered by Social Security to qualify for certain benefits.
You may also hear them called Social Security credits or simply work credits.
How much do you need to earn in 2027?
In 2027, you earn one quarter of coverage for every $1,970 in covered wages or self-employment income.
You can earn no more than four credits in one calendar year.
That means earning $7,880 in 2027 gives you the maximum four credits for the year.
The amount increased from $1,890 per credit in 2026.
Do you have to work a full quarter?
No.
Despite the name, quarters of coverage are no longer tied to specific three-month calendar quarters.
Since 1978, Social Security generally awards credits based on your total covered earnings for the year.
For example, if you earn $7,880 early in 2027, you can still receive all four credits for the year even if you do not work during every calendar quarter.
How many credits do you need?
The number of credits you need depends on the benefit.
For Social Security retirement benefits, most people need 40 credits, which is usually about 10 years of work.
For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the requirement depends on your age when your disability begins. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Survivors benefits also use work-credit rules, and the number needed can depend on the worker's age at death.
Do extra credits increase your benefit?
No.
Work credits determine whether you are insured for Social Security benefits. Earning more than the number of credits you need does not directly increase your monthly benefit.
Your benefit amount is generally based on your earnings history, not the total number of credits you have earned.
In real life
- A worker who earned at least the yearly threshold gets all 4 quarters of coverage that year.
- Sarah worked part-time and earned enough money in just two months to get one quarter of coverage. Even though she didn't work the whole year, her earnings counted.
- David took a year off to care for his family and earned no money, so he didn't get any quarters of coverage that year. He needs to earn money again to get more work credits.
- A worker earns $7,880 in covered wages during 2027. Because one credit requires $1,970, the worker earns the maximum four Social Security credits for the year.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Quarters of Coverage
What is Quarters of Coverage?+
Quarters of Coverage are the work credits Social Security uses to decide if you have worked enough to qualify for SSDI or retirement benefits. You can earn up to 4 per year.
Who qualifies for Quarters of Coverage?+
Adults under full retirement age who have a qualifying medical condition expected to last 12+ months and who have earned enough recent work credits.
How do I apply for Quarters of Coverage?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply. Official forms and instructions: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/QC.html.
Where can I get help?+
Run the SSDI Filing Success Score to check your readiness, then the SSDI Benefit Estimator to size up your monthly payment. Local Social Security field offices can also help you apply at no cost.
How much do you need to earn for one Social Security credit in 2027?+
In 2027, you earn one Social Security credit for every $1,970 in covered wages or self-employment income.
How much do I need to earn to get four credits in 2027?+
You need $7,880 in covered earnings to receive the maximum four Social Security credits for 2027.
Can I earn more than four Social Security credits in a year?+
No. You can earn no more than four quarters of coverage, or Social Security credits, in one calendar year.
Do I have to work during all four quarters of the year?+
No. Since 1978, credits are generally based on your total covered earnings for the year, not on whether you worked during each three-month quarter.
How many work credits do I need for Social Security?+
Most people need 40 credits for retirement benefits. SSDI and survivors benefits can require fewer credits depending on your age and circumstances.
Do more work credits increase my Social Security benefit?+
No. Credits determine whether you qualify for benefits. Your monthly benefit amount is generally based on your earnings history, not how many extra credits you have.
Source: ssa.gov
