Social Security is an important benefit for millions of Americans, but it can be difficult to understand how it works—especially when it comes to your Social Security credits.
In 2025, there are easy ways to check your credits and understand whether you’re eligible for monthly benefits, whether it’s for retirement or disability.
Here’s everything you need to know to check your credits and determine if you can get monthly payments.
Step 1: Create or Log into Your My Social Security Account
To begin, the first thing you need to do is visit the Social Security Administration (SSA) website and create a My Social Security account if you haven’t already done so.
If you already have an account, simply log in. This account will allow you to see how many work credits you’ve earned and check your Social Security Statement.
To create your account, you’ll need to provide some personal information, including your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth. This helps the SSA verify your identity. Make sure to keep your login details safe so you can access your account in the future.
Step 2: Review Your Social Security Statement
Once you’re logged in, it’s time to check your Social Security Statement. This is a very important document because it tells you how many work credits you’ve earned so far. You will also see the total earnings that have been reported to the SSA.
For Social Security retirement benefits, you need to have earned at least 40 work credits by the time you turn 62. This means that if you’ve worked for about 10 years, you should have enough credits to qualify for monthly payments at retirement age.
What If You Have a Disability?
Not everyone needs 40 credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. If you have a qualifying disability, you may need fewer credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
For example, if you’re 30 years old and have worked for just 2 years, you might only need about 8 credits to be eligible for SSDI payments.
It’s also important to note that the required number of credits depends on your age at the time of disability. Younger workers may need fewer credits to qualify.
Step 3: How Many Credits Can You Earn Each Year?
In 2025, you can earn a maximum of 4 work credits per year. So, no matter how much you earn, you can’t get more than 4 credits in one calendar year. The amount of money you need to earn to get these 4 credits changes each year.
In 2025, you need $1,810 in covered earnings to receive the full 4 credits. This is an increase from $1,730 in 2024, following the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) announced by the SSA in October 2024.
In general, you need to work for 10 years (or earn 40 credits) to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. But if you’re young or facing a disability, you might qualify for SSDI or other benefits with fewer credits.
Step 4: Check Your Earnings Record and Report Mistakes
It’s important to remember that your earnings record may not always be perfect. When you check your Social Security Statement, make sure your total earnings are accurate.
If you find any mistakes—like missing income or incorrect information—report them to the SSA as soon as possible. This will ensure you get the correct amount of benefits when you’re eligible.
What Happens If You Don’t Have Enough Credits?
If you don’t have enough work credits for retirement benefits, you can keep working and earning more credits until you qualify.
You can also look into other government programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you need financial help before you reach retirement age or if you’re disabled and unable to work.
If you don’t qualify for Social Security payments right away, don’t give up. You can continue working to earn more credits and check your progress by regularly reviewing your My Social Security account.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, checking your Social Security credits is easier than ever thanks to the online My Social Security account.
Whether you’re planning for retirement or checking if you can get disability payments, it’s crucial to stay on top of your work credits and earnings record.
By following these simple steps, you can easily find out how many credits you’ve earned and whether you’re eligible for monthly payments.
And remember, if you notice any errors in your earnings record, report them to the SSA quickly to avoid any future problems with your benefits.
Now that you know how to check your Social Security credits, take a few minutes to log into your account and get an up-to-date look at your Social Security status. It’s never too early to start planning for your financial future.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
