Quick Take - The Brief
You generally need at least 40 work credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.
In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to four credits per year.
Fewer credits may be needed for disability or survivors benefits, especially for younger workers.
Work credits do not expire; you can earn them at any time during your working years.
If you don’t have enough credits, you can continue working to earn more and become eligible.
Why It Matters
Knowing how many work credits you need helps you plan for a secure retirement. For seniors, understanding this rule means you can check your eligibility, avoid surprises when applying for benefits, and take steps if you’re not yet qualified. Social Security is a vital source of income for millions of older Americans, and earning enough credits ensures you—and possibly your family—can access this important safety net.
Deep Dive - The Beyond
Work credits are points you earn by working in jobs or self-employment that pay into Social Security.
In 2025, every $1,810 you earn gets you one credit, up to four credits per year.
The dollar amount needed for a credit usually rises a bit each year.
How Many Credits Do You Need?
Retirement Benefits:
Most people need 40 credits—about 10 years of work—to qualify for retirement benefits.
Once you have 40 credits, you are “fully insured” for retirement benefits. You can earn these credits at any time; they do not expire.
Disability Benefits:
The number of credits needed depends on your age at the time you become disabled.
If you become disabled at age 31 or older, you generally need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, plus a total of 40 credits.
Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Survivors Benefits:
Survivors (such as a spouse or children) may be eligible for benefits if the deceased worker earned as few as 6 to 40 credits, depending on their age at death.
How Do You Earn Credits?
You earn credits by working and paying Social Security taxes.
Both full-time and part-time work count, as long as you earn enough each year to reach the credit threshold.
You can check your current credits by creating a “my Social Security” account on the Social Security Administration website.
Special Situations
Not enough credits? You can continue working to reach the minimum.
Family members: Even if you don’t have enough credits, you may still qualify for benefits as a spouse, divorced spouse, or survivor, based on your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s work record.
Government or non-covered work: Some government jobs and certain types of work may not pay into Social Security; check your record if you’ve held these jobs.
Table: Credits Needed by Benefit Type
Benefit Type | Minimum Credits Needed | Who It Applies To |
Retirement | 40 | Most workers age 62+ |
Disability | 6–40 | Depends on age when disabled |
Survivors | 6–40 | Depends on worker’s age at death |
What To Do Next:
Check your credits: Visit the Social Security Administration website and set up a “my Social Security” account to see your earnings and credits.
Still working? If you’re short on credits, even part-time work can help you earn more.
Ask about family eligibility: If you’re married, divorced, or widowed, see if you can get benefits based on a spouse’s record.
Stay informed: Social Security rules can change. Review your status regularly and watch for updates.
Readers Toolbox
Official Resources:
Social Security Administration website for checking your credits and creating a “my Social Security” account.
Downloadable guides: “Understanding the Benefits” and “Retirement Benefits” from the Social Security Administration.
Downloadable Guides:
“Am I Eligible for Social Security?” checklist (available in SSA publications)
Need Help?
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Visit your local Social Security office for in-person assistance.
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In-Depth Extras:
Want to Learn More?
Read stories from seniors who reached their credit goals later in life.
Explore detailed policy updates in the latest Social Security Administration publications.
Hear from benefits experts about maximizing your Social Security income
Community Corner
Have questions or a story about earning your Social Security credits?
Share your experience or ask for advice below! Your tips may help other readers on their journey to a secure retirement.
Remember:
You need 40 work credits—about 10 years of work—to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. If you’re not there yet, every year of work brings you closer to the security you deserve.
References:
Social Security Administration. “Understanding the Benefits.” Accessed May 25, 2025. SSA.gov
Social Security Administration. “Retirement Benefits.” Publication No. 05-10035,
Social Security Administration. “How You Earn Credits 2025.” SSA.gov (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf)
National Council on Aging. “What Are Social Security Work Credits?” NCOA.org, February 12, 2025. (https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-are-social-security-work-credits/)
AARP. “Types of Social Security Benefits.” AARP.org, 2025.
Kiplinger. “Five Changes to Social Security in 2025.” Kiplinger.com, January 3, 2025. (https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/changes-coming-for-social-security-in-2025)
Disability Law Group. “SSDI Eligibility Requirements in 2025.” DisabilityLawGroup.com, February 27, 2025. (https://disabilitylawgroup.com/blog/understanding-ssdi-eligibility-requirements-in-2025/)
Social Security Administration. “How do I earn Social Security credits and how many do I need to be eligible for benefits?” SSA.gov, January 2, 2025. (https://www.ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02459.html)
Social Security Administration. “Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information for 2025.” SSA.gov, October 10, 2024. (https://www.ssa.gov/cola/)
AARP. “Social Security When A Spouse Dies - A Guide To Survivor Benefits.” AARP.org, March 31, 2025. (https://www.aarp.org/social-security/faq/when-spouse-dies/)