How Do You Check Social Security Work Credits on My Social Security? — 2026 Earnings Thresholds & the 40-Credit Rule Explained (Updated: Jan 2026)
“How many Social Security credits do I have — and where do I actually find them?”
Before thinking about retirement age or benefit amounts, every worker should first confirm their Social Security work credits.
The short answer: you can view them for free inside your my Social Security account.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to check your credits in 2026, what the $1,890 earnings threshold means, and the practical issues that commonly come up in real tax filings.
1️⃣ What Are Social Security Work Credits? (2026 Rules)
Social Security work credits measure whether you’ve paid into the system through
covered earnings — wages or self-employment income subject to Social Security tax.
These credits determine eligibility not only for retirement benefits, but also for certain
disability and survivor benefits.
Importantly, credits are not based on years worked or your job title.
They’re earned strictly based on income levels, and the required dollar amount
changes each year as national wage levels rise.
| Year | Earnings per Credit | Minimum for 4 Credits | Annual Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $1,810 | $7,240 | Max 4 credits |
| 2026 | $1,890 | $7,560 | Max 4 credits |
- 1 credit earned for every $1,890 in covered earnings
- Maximum of 4 credits per year
- Retirement eligibility generally requires 40 total credits
Earning more money in a single year does not accelerate credit accumulation.
Once you reach 4 credits for the year, additional income increases future benefit amounts — not your credit count.
2️⃣ Creating a My Social Security Account
To view your credits, you’ll need an official my Social Security account.
Access requires identity verification, typically through ID.me or Login.gov.
- Visit the SSA website and choose the my Social Security login option
- Complete identity verification using the approved provider
- Sign in once your account is confirmed
Identity verification delays are common, especially for individuals with limited credit history or recent immigration records. Follow the verification prompts carefully — and expect that approval may take additional time.
3️⃣ Where to Find Your Credits (Step-by-Step)
After logging in, you can view both your total credit count and your year-by-year earnings record. Menu labels may vary slightly depending on system updates.
my Social Security → Earnings → Review your full earnings record
- Total credits earned to date
- Covered earnings by year
- Potential missing or incorrect income entries
4️⃣ Does 40 Credits Mean You Automatically Get Benefits?
No. Reaching 40 credits simply means you’ve met the eligibility requirement.
Your actual monthly benefit depends on lifetime earnings and when you claim benefits (early, full retirement age, or later).
- Less than 40 credits → no retirement eligibility
- 40 credits → eligible to apply
- Benefit amount varies significantly by earnings history and claiming strategy
5️⃣ EA Practical Tips & Common Credit Problems
- Missing W-2 data — employer reporting errors
- Unreported self-employment income — no Schedule SE filed
- Name or SSN mismatches — frequent in early immigration years
Credits are based on net earnings, not gross revenue.
While net income over $400 triggers self-employment tax filing, earning even one credit in 2026 requires at least $1,890 in net earnings.
Earnings and credits do not update immediately after you file a tax return.
It can take several months for IRS data to sync with Social Security records.
Don’t assume an error too quickly.
EA Summary — My Social Security is the primary tool for verifying your work credits and earnings history.
For 2026, remember the key figure: $1,890 per credit.
Confirming your credits early helps avoid unpleasant surprises when retirement planning becomes real.
Q1. How much do you need to earn for one Social Security credit in 2026?
In 2026, one credit is earned for every $1,890 in covered earnings, with a maximum of four credits per year.
Q2. Does having 40 credits guarantee Social Security income?
No. Forty credits establish eligibility only. The benefit amount depends on lifetime earnings and claiming age.
Q3. How do self-employed individuals earn credits?
Credits are based on net earnings. To earn even one credit in 2026, net income must reach $1,890.
This article is based on U.S. federal rules. Results may vary depending on state law, immigration status, employment structure, and tax reporting history.
Consult a qualified professional before making financial or retirement decisions.