Social security disability, and what Ive learned
You can receive a maximum of four credits annually (which is why credits are also called 'quarters'), and any credits you earn will remain on your record even during periods in which you're not working. In order to qualify for social security benefits, you need to reach a certain number of credits. The number of credits you need for social security is based on your current age, and is calculated by the number of years you have worked. Most people looking to qualify for retirement social security benefits (that is, over the age of 62) will need 40 credits, or 10 years of work, to be eligible for benefits. However, it can happen that a person who has worked a seemingly appropriate number of years does not gain the necessary credits for social security benefits.