How Much Do You Need to Earn for a Social Security Work Credit in 2026?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a key update for 2026 that will impact anyone earning credits toward retirement or disability benefits.

Starting in 2026, you’ll need to earn $1,890 in Social Security–taxable income to receive one work credit (also called a “quarter of coverage”). That’s an increase from $1,810 in 2025.

What’s a Social Security Work Credit?

A work credit is how the SSA measures your eligibility for benefits. You earn credits based on your annual income from wages or self-employment that’s subject to Social Security taxes (FICA/SECA).

Most workers need 40 credits, about 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.

For disability insurance, the number of required credits depends on your age and work history.

In 2026, to earn the maximum of four credits in one year, you’ll need to make at least $7,560 in covered earnings.

Why This Change Matters

The increase means that workers with part-time, seasonal, or fluctuating income will need slightly higher earnings to stay on track for Social Security eligibility.

For Latino and immigrant workers, it’s especially important to ensure that all reported income is properly taxed and credited.

Missing or unreported income could delay or reduce future benefits.

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What You Should Do

• Check your record: Log in to your My Social Security account to review your earnings and credits.

• Confirm accuracy: Make sure your income is correctly reported each year.

• Plan ahead: If you’re self-employed, keep up with quarterly tax payments to ensure your income counts toward credits.

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