Work Credits (Social Security)
Units of credit earned through taxable employment or self-employment, used to determine eligibility for Social Security retirement, disability (SSDI), and survivor benefits.
You earn one credit for each $1,730 in wages or self-employment income (2025 threshold). You can earn up to 4 credits per year.
SSDI generally requires 40 credits (10 years), with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may need fewer.
→ Check your Social Security statement at SSA.gov to see your current credits.
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Frequently asked questions about Work Credits (Social Security)
What are Social Security work credits?+
Work credits are like points you earn by working and paying Social Security taxes. You can earn up to four credits each year. These credits are important because they help decide if you can get Social Security benefits later on, such as retirement, disability, or survivor benefits for your family.
How do you earn Social Security work credits?+
You earn work credits by having taxable earnings from a job or self-employment. The amount of earnings needed to get one credit changes each year. You can earn a maximum of four credits in any given year. Most people need 40 work credits, earned over 10 years, to be eligible for retirement benefits.
How many work credits do I need for Social Security benefits?+
The number of work credits you need depends on the type of Social Security benefit you are applying for and your age. For example, most people need 40 credits to get retirement benefits. For disability or survivor benefits, fewer credits might be needed, especially if you are younger.
Can work credits help my family get survivor benefits?+
Yes, your work credits are very important for your family. If you pass away, your spouse, children, or sometimes even parents might be able to receive survivor benefits. The number of work credits you earned determines whether your family members can get these benefits, offering them financial support.