Social Security Work Credits Update: If you are a Latin American living in the United States and planning your future retirement, you should know that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will soon change how work credits are calculated. Starting in 2026, the amount of money you need to earn to get one credit will go up and this change can affect your eligibility for benefits later.
What is a work credit?
A work credit is also called a “quarter of coverage,” and it is how the SSA keeps track of your contributions through Social Security taxes. These credits decide if you qualify for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. In most cases, you need 40 credits which equals about 10 years of work to receive full retirement benefits.
New income rules for 2026
In 2026, you’ll need to earn $1,890 in income that’s taxed by Social Security to get one work credit. That’s more than the $1,810 needed in 2025. This means that to earn the maximum of four credits in a year, your income must be at least $7,560.
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For Latino workers and especially those who are self-employed or have multiple part-time jobs, this means you must make sure your income is correctly reported and taxed under the SSA system. This includes wages and any self-employment earnings that count toward FICA or SECA taxes.
How will this Affect Workers?
In 2025 four credits could be earned with $7,240. In 2026, that number rises to $7,560, which means workers need slightly higher earnings to keep building credits.
If you’re just starting your career or have gaps in your work history, you may need to earn more each year or work longer to reach the 40-credit mark required for full benefits. For anyone planning to retire or apply for disability soon, it’s smart to check your Social Security account and make sure all your income is being properly reported.
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The SSA recommends all workers review their current credit status through their “My Social Security” account. This helps you confirm your earnings and avoid mistakes that could delay or reduce your benefits.
