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Social security benefits: Your Questions about Social Security Credits Q: Social Security tells me that I don't have enough credits to qualify for benefits. What are Social Security credits, and how can I not have enough of them when I've worked and paid taxes for years? A: When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits that are used to qualify you for social security benefits. The number of credits you receive is based on both income and the number of years worked. The necessary income level for receiving social security benefits credits rises a bit each year; as of 2008, you receive one credit for every $1,050 you earn. These credits are also called quarters, as you can earn a maximum of four of them a year; any social security "quarters" that you earn during your working career will remain on your record even during times of unemployment.