Social Security Frequently Asked Questions
Authored By: Social Security Administration
United States Social Security Administration: www.ssa.gov
Information
You must earn at least 40 Social Security credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. You earn credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. The number of credits does not affect the amount of benefits you receive. SSA uses the number of credits you’ve earned to determine your eligibility for retirement or disability benefits, Medicare, and your family’s eligibility for survivors benefits.
Last Review and Update: Nov 07, 2025