6. Earning Social Security Credits Costs a Little More

Every year you work, you earn Social Security credits based on your income. You can earn up to four credits per year, and most people need 40 total credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.

In 2026, the income required to earn one credit rose to $1,890—up from $1,810 in 2025. To earn all four credits for the year, you need $7,560 in wages or self-employment income.

This change matters most to people who work part-time, have gaps in their earnings history, or are just entering the workforce. If you are already fully vested with 40 or more credits, this change has no effect on your eligibility or benefit amount.

For retirees who are helping adult children or grandchildren understand Social Security, this is worth passing along: earning credits now, even in part-time work, builds the foundation for benefits later. And credits earned never expire—they stay on your record regardless of career changes or time out of the workforce.