2026 Social Security Update: How Much You Need to Earn for One Work Credit
- Author: Leo Olson
- Posted: 2025-11-12
If you’re working toward Social Security retirement or disability benefits, here’s an important update from the Social Security Administration (SSA):
That means to earn the maximum of four credits in a year, you’ll need at least $7,560 in eligible earnings.
What Exactly Is a Work Credit?
Work credits (also called quarters of coverage) track how much you’ve worked and paid into Social Security.
You typically need 40 credits, about 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.
For disability benefits, the number of credits required depends on your age and work history.
Each year, the amount needed per credit adjusts based on national wage growth so it slowly increases over time.
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Why the Change Matters
The 2026 increase may not seem huge, but it’s important for those with part-time jobs, self-employment income, or seasonal work.
If your income varies, you’ll need to plan ahead to make sure you earn enough to keep building your credits.
What You Can Do Now
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Check your Social Security record on SSA.gov/myaccount
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Verify your income each year is correctly reported
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Track your progress toward the 40-credit goal
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