5. Social Security credits in 2026

Next year, you’ll actually have to earn more in order to get Social Security credits. In other words, you must get a minimum number of credits to be able to get your retirement benefits. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), you have to earn 40 credits to be eligible. There’s something else you need to know… You are actually allowed to get up to 4 credits per year.

The same number of credits is also used to calculate your eligibility for disability or retirement benefits, your family’s eligibility for survivor benefits, and, of course, Medicare. One credit earned in 2025 translates to an income of $1,810 (note that this amount increases every year).