Social Security is an essential program that provides financial support to individuals in retirement, those with disabilities, and the surviving family members of deceased workers. To qualify for most benefits, you need to accumulate a certain number of credits.
Typically, you must earn at least 40 credits to be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. However, if you have fewer than 40 credits, you might be wondering what options are available to you. In this article, we will discuss Social Security credits, what having fewer than 40 credits means for your eligibility, and what steps you can take to still benefit from the system.
What Are Social Security Credits?
Social Security credits are used to determine your eligibility for benefits under the Social Security program. These credits are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. For every three-month period you work and pay into the system, you earn one credit. You can earn up to four credits per year, depending on how much you earn. For example, in 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,640 in earnings.
To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, most people need to have earned 40 credits. These credits are important because they show how long you have worked and contributed to the system. If you have fewer than 40 credits, you may not qualify for full benefits. However, there are some exceptions and other paths to get benefits.
How Many Credits Do You Need for Different Benefits?
The number of credits you need depends on the type of Social Security benefit you are seeking. Below is an overview of the credits required for different benefits:
- Retirement Benefits: Most people need 40 credits to qualify for retirement benefits, which can be claimed as early as age 62.
- Disability Benefits: The number of credits needed for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. If you are under 24, you may need only 6 credits. If you are between 24 and 31, you may need credits from your work history, and if you are 31 or older, you need 20 credits from the past 10 years of work.
- Survivor Benefits: Survivor benefits, which are paid to the family of someone who has died, are based on the deceased’s work history. In most cases, if the deceased person has at least 6 credits, their family may be eligible for survivor benefits, even if they did not reach 40 credits.
What Happens if You Have Less Than 40 Credits?
If you have fewer than 40 credits, you will not be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits, which typically require 40 credits. However, it’s important to understand that there are still some potential options for you. Let’s explore the most common situations and the benefits you may still be able to access:
1. Retirement Benefits:
Without 40 credits, you will not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits on your own. However, if you are married, you may qualify for spousal benefits based on your spouse’s work history. If your spouse has 40 credits and qualifies for Social Security, you might be able to receive benefits based on their record, even if you don’t have 40 credits yourself.
2. Disability Benefits:
Disability benefits require a different number of credits based on your age. If you are younger than 24, you may need only 6 credits to qualify for disability benefits. If you are between 24 and 31, you need more credits, but fewer than 40. If you are 31 or older, you typically need at least 20 credits in the past 10 years of work. If you have fewer than the required credits, you might not be able to claim disability benefits under Social Security.
3. Survivor Benefits:
If you pass away, your family may still be eligible for survivor benefits. The number of credits needed for survivor benefits is typically less than the number required for retirement benefits. As long as you have earned at least 6 credits, your family members may qualify for survivor benefits, regardless of whether you had 40 credits.
Options If You Have Fewer Than 40 Credits
If you do not have 40 credits and need Social Security benefits, there are several options to consider:
1. Work Longer to Earn More Credits
If you’re still working and under age 62 (the earliest age you can claim Social Security benefits), you can continue to work and earn more credits. Each year, you can earn up to four credits. Depending on how many credits you currently have, you may need to work for several more years to reach the 40-credit requirement.
2. Check If You Qualify for Spousal Benefits:
Even if you don’t have 40 credits, you may still qualify for Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s work record. If your spouse has earned enough credits to qualify for Social Security, you may be able to claim a portion of their benefits. This is especially helpful if you are older or have not worked enough to qualify on your own.
3. Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to help low-income individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older. SSI does not require a certain number of Social Security credits, so if you meet the income and resource requirements, you may be able to qualify for this program even if you have fewer than 40 credits. It’s important to note that SSI is a need-based program, and eligibility is determined by your income and resources.
4. Review Your Work History:
It’s important to make sure that your work history has been accurately recorded. Sometimes, credits might not show up due to mistakes, such as name changes or working under different employers. You can request a Social Security statement online to verify that all your credits have been accounted for correctly. If there is an error, the Social Security Administration can help you resolve it.
5. Explore State Programs:
Some states offer additional financial assistance for individuals who are not eligible for Social Security but need help. These programs may provide benefits for those who are disabled or elderly and have limited income or resources. Research your state’s programs to see if there are additional benefits available to you.
What Are the Next Steps?
If you find yourself with fewer than 40 Social Security credits, the first thing you should do is assess your situation and determine your options. You can visit the Social Security Administration’s website (www.ssa.gov) to find out more about your eligibility and options. Additionally, you can contact a representative from the Social Security Administration for guidance on your specific case.
If you are near retirement, it may also be a good idea to look into other retirement savings options, such as IRAs or 401(k)s. While Social Security is important, it may not be enough to fully support you in retirement, especially if you don’t have enough credits to qualify for full benefits.
Conclusion
Having fewer than 40 Social Security credits can limit your ability to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, but there are still options available. You can continue working to earn more credits, check for eligibility based on your spouse’s work record, apply for Supplemental Security Income, or explore state assistance programs. Take the time to understand your options and seek help from the Social Security Administration if needed. Proactive steps can help you secure the financial support you need in the future.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
