Change #6 Social Security Work Credits Cost More to Earn in 2026

What Changed

Social Security retirement eligibility requires accumulating a minimum of 40 work credits over a lifetime of employment — the equivalent of approximately 10 years of full-time work.

Workers earn Social Security credits by earning wages or self-employment income above a threshold that the SSA adjusts annually in line with wage trends. In 2026, the earnings required to earn one Social Security credit increased from $1,810 in 2025 to $1,890 — an increase of $80 per credit. Since a worker can earn a maximum of four credits per year, earning all four credits in 2026 requires total wages or self-employment income of $7,560 (up from $7,240 in 2025).

It is important to understand what Social Security credits do and do not represent. Credits establish eligibility for Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), Medicare coverage, and survivors benefits for your family.

However, once the 40-credit threshold is reached, earning additional credits does not increase your benefit amount. Your actual benefit payment is determined by your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) across your highest 35 years of earnings — not by your credit count.

Workers who earn more than $7,560 in 2026 will automatically earn all four credits regardless of when during the year those earnings occur.

Key Insight: Social Security credits only establish eligibility — they do not increase your benefit beyond the 40-credit minimum. Your monthly retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings, indexed for inflation. Years with zero or low earnings can significantly reduce your calculated benefit if they fall within your top 35 years.