5. Earning Credits Will Cost a Bit More
To qualify for Social Security, you need 40 work credits. You can earn up to four credits a year, depending on how much you make. Each year, the dollar amount required for a credit goes up with inflation.
In 2026, it’s expected that you’ll need to earn over $1,810 to get one credit. That means you’ll need to earn at least around $7,240 in the year to secure all four credits.
For most people already retired, this won’t matter. But if you or your loved ones are still working toward eligibility, it’s important to keep track. Missing even a few credits can delay or reduce benefits later on.
