Social Security credits are the building blocks for your eligibility to receive benefits under the Social Security Administration (SSA). Every year, the SSA updates the amount of earnings needed to earn a single credit. These credits are essential for securing future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
In 2025, understanding how many credits you can earn—and how you earn them—is more important than ever, especially if you’re planning your retirement or thinking about your long-term financial security. Credits are based on your income, not the number of jobs you have.
The amount needed to earn a single credit can vary year by year due to inflation and changes in the national average wage.
How Many Social Security Credits Can You Earn in 2025
In 2025, you earn one Social Security credit for every $1,810 of income. This is an increase from $1,730 in 2024. However, the maximum number of credits you can earn in a single year remains the same—four credits per year.
Here’s the breakdown:
- $1,810 in earnings = 1 credit
- $7,240 in earnings = 4 credits (the maximum for the year)
Even if you earn far more than $7,240 in 2025, you cannot earn more than four credits. Earning four credits each year for ten years, or 40 credits in total, typically qualifies you for Social Security retirement benefits.
Why Earning Enough Credits Is Crucial
Earning Social Security credits isn’t just about retirement. These credits also determine your eligibility for:
- Disability Benefits: Workers who become disabled must have earned a certain number of credits depending on their age at the time of disability.
- Survivor Benefits: Family members may receive benefits if you pass away, but only if you’ve earned enough credits.
- Medicare Eligibility: Once you reach age 65, having enough credits is typically necessary for premium-free Medicare Part A coverage.
Thus, consistently earning your maximum yearly credits is critical for maintaining access to these vital safety nets.
How Self-Employed Workers Earn Credits
If you are self-employed, earning Social Security credits works the same way: based on your net earnings. After deducting business expenses, if your net income meets the $1,810 threshold, you earn a credit. If your self-employment net income is at least $7,240 for the year, you will earn all four credits.
However, if your annual net earnings are below $400, you generally won’t owe Social Security taxes or earn credits for that year, unless you opt in through voluntary coverage programs available to specific groups like ministers or church employees.
Self-employed individuals must be especially mindful of filing taxes accurately to ensure their credits are properly recorded.
Special Cases and Credit Rules
There are special rules for certain types of workers:
- Military Service Members: Active duty or active duty training can result in additional earnings credits under special programs.
- Domestic Workers and Farm Workers: Earnings thresholds apply, but often at lower levels to account for unique wage structures.
- Nonprofit Employees: Some religious organizations may exempt employees from paying into Social Security, impacting credit accrual.
If you belong to any of these groups, it’s crucial to consult with the SSA to ensure you’re earning credits appropriately.
How to Check Your Social Security Credits
Staying on top of your Social Security record is easier now than ever before. The SSA offers several tools:
- mySocialSecurity Account: You can create a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount to check your earnings history and credits.
- Annual Statements: Workers over age 60 who aren’t receiving benefits will automatically receive a statement by mail.
- Requesting a Statement: You can also request one at any time if you need updated information.
Checking your credits regularly ensures that your earnings are being reported correctly. Errors could impact your future benefits if left uncorrected.
Planning for the Future With Your Credits
Earning the maximum four credits each year should be part of your long-term financial planning strategy. Whether you plan to retire early, claim disability benefits, or ensure your family’s financial stability, these credits form the foundation of your future Social Security benefits.
If you have gaps in your work history or low earnings years, you might not immediately qualify. But working additional years or ensuring higher reported earnings can make a significant difference over time.
Planning ahead and being proactive about monitoring your credits can help you maximize your future benefits and secure a better retirement.
Conclusion
In 2025, every $1,810 you earn brings you closer to securing your Social Security benefits, with a maximum of four credits available for the year.
While it might seem like a small part of your financial life now, maintaining consistent credit accumulation is vital for your retirement and for unexpected life events like disability or loss of a family breadwinner.
By staying informed, checking your records, and understanding special rules for certain professions, you can ensure that you maximize your benefits when you need them most.
For more details about earning credits and your Social Security benefits, visit the Social Security Administration’s website.
Disclaimer – Our team has carefully fact-checked this article to make sure it’s accurate and free from any misinformation. We’re dedicated to keeping our content honest and reliable for our readers.