Work Credits

Work credits are the units SSA uses to measure whether you have worked long enough, and recently enough, to be insured for SSDI. You earn credits by working in jobs covered by Social Security taxes. In 2026 you receive one credit for each $1,890 in covered earnings, a figure adjusted annually, up to a maximum of four credits per year.

Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, to qualify for SSDI, though younger workers need fewer under a sliding scale. If you lack sufficient credits, you cannot receive SSDI regardless of how severe your condition is, but you may still qualify for SSI, which has no work requirement and is based on financial need.