For U.S. immigrants, "Work Credits" is a concept closely related to Social Security benefits. Whether you are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident, accumulating work credits is essential if you wish to enjoy social retirement benefits after you retire.
1. Work Credits and Eligibility for Retirement Benefits
To receive U.S. Social Security benefits, you need to accumulate at least 40 work credits in the United States, with a maximum of 4 credits that can be earned per year. This means that, under normal circumstances, you must work in the U.S. or for a U.S. company for at least 10 years to earn 40 credits to qualify for U.S. retirement benefits. Of course, there are special provisions for workers who become disabled, as well as for families where a spouse or parent has passed away, for whom fewer credits are required.
2. Calculation Rules for Work Credits
The calculation of work credits is not fixed; it is adjusted based on inflation data. According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, in 2025, you must have $1,810 in earnings to qualify for one work credit, and you can earn a maximum of 4 work credits per year. This means that in 2025, as long as your work income exceeds $7,240, you can earn the full 4 work credits. Note: Income must be subject to U.S. Social Security tax (FICA); otherwise, it cannot be counted toward work credits!
3. Types of Income That Count Toward Work Credits
In the United States, not all income counts toward work credits. Income that can be counted mainly includes: wages and salaries, self-employment income, commissions and tips, vacation pay, and severance pay. Income such as investment returns (e.g., rental income, stock investments, etc.), as well as gifts and loans, cannot be counted toward work credits.
4. How to Check Your Work Credits
• Online Inquiry
Log in to the official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. Click the "Create an Account" button and follow the prompts to enter your personal information to register. Once registered, log in to your account using your username and password. On your personal account page, you can usually find a "Social Security Statement" or related option; click to view your work credit status.
• Paper Inquiry
You can request a paper copy of your Social Security Statement from the U.S. Social Security Administration. Generally, the Social Security Administration mails paper statements to seniors aged 60 and older who do not have a Social Security account and have not yet begun receiving Social Security benefits. Others can also apply by contacting their local Social Security office or calling the customer service hotline.
• Phone Inquiry
You can call the U.S. Social Security Administration's customer service hotline at 1-800-772-1213, follow the voice prompts to select the relevant service, and speak with a customer service representative. After providing your personal information, you can inquire about your status.
• In-Person Inquiry
You can visit your local U.S. Social Security Administration office, where staff will assist you in checking the relevant information. It is recommended to bring personal identification documents, your Social Security card, and other documents that can prove your identity when you visit.
Understanding the rules regarding U.S. work credits is of great significance for immigrant clients planning their careers and retirement life in the United States. From your initial job choices upon arriving in the U.S. to long-term income planning, actively accumulating work credits is a key step in securing your future life.
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* Investment involves risks; the above information is for reference only. *
