When it comes to qualifying for Social Security benefits—whether retirement, disability, or survivor benefits—earning work credits is key.
These credits are the foundation of your eligibility, and understanding how they work can help you plan for a more secure financial future.
In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated the earnings threshold needed to earn a credit. Let’s break down how the system works, how much you need to earn this year, and why these credits are so important.
What Are Social Security Credits?
Social Security credits are the building blocks of your eligibility for Social Security benefits. You earn credits by working and paying Social Security taxes—commonly deducted from your paycheck if you’re employed, or paid quarterly if you’re self-employed.
You can earn up to four credits per year, and these credits accumulate over your working life. Once you’ve earned enough credits, you qualify for various Social Security benefits, depending on your age and situation.
How Much Do You Need to Earn in 2025 to Get a Credit?
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In 2025, you earn one Social Security credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings. That means:
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To earn four credits (the maximum per year), you need to make at least $7,240 during the year.
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It doesn’t matter whether you earn that in a few months or spread out across the entire year—as long as you reach the $7,240 threshold, you’ll get all four credits.
This amount is adjusted each year based on national wage trends.
Why Do Social Security Credits Matter?
The number of credits you have directly affects whether you’re eligible for benefits—and sometimes how much you receive. Here’s why they matter for different types of Social Security benefits:
✅ Retirement Benefits
To qualify for retirement benefits, you generally need 40 credits, which is equivalent to about 10 years of work. Once you hit that mark, you’re permanently eligible to receive Social Security retirement payments when you reach the eligible age (between 62 and 70, depending on when you choose to start).
✅ Disability Benefits
If you become disabled before retirement age, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The number of credits needed depends on your age when you become disabled. For example, someone who becomes disabled at age 35 might need around 20 credits (or about 5 years of recent work).
✅ Survivor Benefits
If you pass away, your family (such as a spouse or children) may be eligible for survivor benefits. Again, your eligibility is tied to how many credits you earned. The younger you are when you die, the fewer credits are needed for your family to qualify for this support.
Do Credits Expire?
The credits you earn don’t expire—but timing does matter, especially for disability benefits. For example, SSDI typically requires that you’ve worked a certain number of years recently (within the last 10 years). If you stop working for a long time, you could lose eligibility for disability benefits even though your credits are still on record.
What If You’re Self-Employed?
If you’re self-employed, you’re still eligible to earn credits—as long as you report your income and pay Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) taxes. Keep in mind, if you under-report your income to reduce taxes, you might short-change your future Social Security benefits.
How to Check Your Credits
The easiest way to check your credit count is by creating a “my Social Security” account at ssa.gov. Once logged in, you can see your:
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Total earned credits
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Earnings history
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Estimated future benefits
Checking regularly ensures your work history is recorded correctly—errors do happen, and they can affect your benefits later.
Final Thoughts
Your Social Security credits might not seem like a big deal when you’re in the middle of your career—but they’re essential to securing your benefits later in life. In 2025, by earning just $7,240, you can lock in a full year’s worth of credits.
Whether you’re working full time, part time, or running your own business, understanding how credits work—and ensuring you earn enough each year—can help you build a solid foundation for retirement or financial protection in case of disability or death.
Plan smart, work steady, and keep your credits on track. Your future self (and your family) will thank you.
