Number of Credits Needed to Claim Disability Benefits

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2014/08/11 - Updated: 2021/06/06
Topic: U.S. Social Security - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: Information and chart regarding the number of work credits you need for claiming disability benefits in the United States. Generally you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Introduction

The definition of disability under U.S Social Security is different than other programs. U.S. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

Main Item

To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability.

The number of work credits needed for disability benefits depends on your age when you became disabled.

Generally you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn up to a maximum of four "credits" for each year. The way you earn a credit has changed over the years.

Before 1978, employers reported your earnings every 3 months and we called credits "quarters of coverage," or QCs. Back then, you got a QC or credit if you earned at least $50 in a 3-month calendar quarter.

In 1978, employers started reporting your earnings just once a year. Credits are now based on your total wages and self-employment income during the year, no matter when you did the actual work. You might work all year to earn four credits, or you might earn enough for all four in a much shorter length of time.

The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit has changed since 1978. In the year 2014, you must earn $1,200 in covered earnings to get one Social Security or Medicare work credit and $4,800 to get the maximum four credits for the year.

The current rules:

Unless you are blind, you must have earned at least 20 of the credits in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled.

Born after 1929 - Became Disabled At AgeCredits Needed
31 through 42 20
44 22
46 24
48 26
50 28
52 30
54 32
56 34
58 36
60 38
62 or older 40

Notes:

NOTE: Contact your local U.S. Department of Social Security for full and current criteria.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

Explore Similar Topics

- The SSA ends its RDRC cooperative agreements, citing cost savings and policy alignment with President Trump's executive order on DEI programs.

- U.S. Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase 2.5 percent in 2025.

Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2014, August 11 - Last revised: 2021, June 6). Number of Credits Needed to Claim Disability Benefits. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 20, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/work-credits.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/work-credits.php">Number of Credits Needed to Claim Disability Benefits</a>: Information and chart regarding the number of work credits you need for claiming disability benefits in the United States.

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.