What Are Work Credits?

A work credit is a unit used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to measure how much you have worked and paid into the Social Security system. You can earn a maximum of four credits per year based on your earnings. The amount of earnings required to earn a credit can change each year based on national average wages.

For 2025, you need to earn $1,640 in gross income to earn one work credit. So, to earn the maximum four credits in a year, you must earn $6,560.

How Many Work Credits Do You Need for SSDI Eligibility?

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you generally need to have earned 40 work credits over the course of your lifetime, with 20 of those credits earned in the past 10 years. This is the basic requirement for most applicants.

However, the number of credits you need can vary based on your age when you become disabled. The SSA adjusts the number of work credits required to qualify for SSDI based on your age at the time of disability.

Work Credit Requirements by Age

The younger you are, the fewer work credits you need to qualify for SSDI benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how many credits you need depending on your age:

• Under age 24: You need 6 credits earned in the 3 years prior to your disability.
• Age 24 to 31: You need credits for half the time between age 21 and the time you became disabled.
• Age 31 to 42: You need 12 credits earned in the last 6 years before you became disabled.
• Age 43 to 54: You need 18 credits earned in the last 9 years before you became disabled.
• Age 55 or older: You need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before you became disabled.

What If You Don’t Have Enough Work Credits?

If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you meet the financial need requirements. SSI doesn’t require a work history, but it is income-based and focuses on individuals with limited financial resources.

If you don’t qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you might want to explore other options, such as state disability programs or long-term disability insurance.

How Can You Check Your Work Credits?

To see how many work credits you have, you can:

• Create a my Social Security account on the SSA’s website to access your work history and credit information.
• Review your Social Security statement: This will show your earnings record and the number of work credits you have earned.

Can You Earn Work Credits After Becoming Disabled?

Yes, you can continue to earn work credits while receiving disability benefits if you are still working. However, your income must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold to remain eligible for SSDI benefits. In 2025, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month.



If you return to work and earn above the SGA limit, you may lose eligibility for SSDI benefits, even though you may still be earning additional work credits.