If you’re aiming to retire in 2025, one key question you should be asking is: How many years do I need to work to get Social Security benefits? The answer is rooted in a credit-based system created by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and understanding how it works can help you plan smarter for your future.
Credits
Social Security benefits are not handed out automatically. To qualify, you need to earn credits—points that track how long and how much you’ve worked. These credits are based on your annual income, not on how many hours or months you work.
In 2025, you’ll earn one credit for every $1,810 you make, up to a maximum of four credits per year. That means if you earn at least $7,240 in 2025, you’ll hit the cap and receive all four credits for the year.
Years
So, how many years do you need to work? The magic number is 10 years—because that’s how long it typically takes to earn the 40 credits required to become fully insured for Social Security retirement benefits.
That’s assuming you’re earning enough each year to qualify for all four available credits.
It’s important to remember that these years don’t need to be consecutive. You can work off and on throughout your life, and as long as you eventually hit 40 credits, you’ll qualify for retirement benefits.
Earnings
It doesn’t matter whether you earn $7,240 slowly over the course of a year or in a single month—you’ll still get the four credits. What matters is total covered earnings for the year, meaning income that’s subject to Social Security payroll taxes.
This applies to employees and the self-employed, so whether you work a 9-to-5 or run your own business, as long as you’re paying into Social Security, you’re building credits.
Claiming
Once you have 40 credits, you’re officially eligible to claim retirement benefits. But when you claim them plays a big role in how much you receive each month.
- You can start as early as age 62, but doing so will result in a permanently reduced benefit.
- Waiting until your Full Retirement Age (FRA)—which is 67 for people born in 1960 or later—will get you your full benefit.
- If you delay even further, up to age 70, your monthly payments will increase thanks to delayed retirement credits.
This gives you some flexibility based on your financial needs and health. While some people need the income right away at 62, others may choose to wait and maximize their future monthly checks.
Summary
Knowing how credits and income affect your Social Security eligibility helps take the guesswork out of retirement planning. In short: work long enough to earn 40 credits, and you’ll be eligible.
But how much you get will depend on how much you earned over your working life and when you choose to start collecting benefits.
Whether you’re working full-time, part-time, or even self-employed, your path to retirement starts with earning those credits.
FAQs
How many credits do I need for Social Security?
You need 40 credits, usually earned over 10 years.
How much do I need to earn to get 4 credits in 2025?
At least $7,240 in covered earnings.
Do credits expire if I stop working?
No, once earned, credits remain on your record permanently.
Can self-employed workers earn credits too?
Yes, if they pay Social Security taxes on their earnings.
What’s the earliest age I can claim benefits?
You can start claiming at age 62, with reduced payments.
