If you’re working toward qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or retirement benefits in Michigan, understanding Social Security credits is essential. These credits – also called quarters of coverage – determine whether you’ve earned enough work history to be “insured” under the program.
In 2026, the amount you need to earn for one Social Security credit has increased to $1,890.
Key Details for 2026
- You can earn up to 4 credits per year, no matter how high your annual earnings are.
- To earn the maximum 4 credits in 2026, you would need to earn at least $7,560 ($1,890 × 4).
- The earnings threshold applies to both wages from employment and net self-employment income.
- This amount is adjusted annually based on changes in the national average wage index.
How Social Security Credits Work
- Credits are the basic building blocks for SSDI eligibility.
- Most people need 40 credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.
- For SSDI, the number of required credits depends on your age:
- Younger workers (under 31) may need fewer.
- Workers 31–42 need progressively more, up to 20 credits in the last 10 years for those 31 and older.
- Even if you earn far more than $1,890 in a quarter, you still only get credit for one per calendar quarter (up to 4 per year).
Why the Amount Increased in 2026
The Social Security Administration bases the 2026 figure on a formula tied to wage growth:
- It starts with the 1978 base amount of $250.
- That is multiplied by the ratio of the 2024 national average wage index to the 1976 index.
- The result ($1,892.56) is rounded to the nearest $10, giving $1,890.
- This is up from $1,810 in 2025.
Historical Earnings Required for One Social Security Credit (Quarter of Coverage)
Because SSDI eligibility often depends on when credits were earned, it can be important to know the earnings requirement for earlier years—especially for individuals reviewing work history from 10, 15, or even 20 years ago.
Below is a historical chart showing the earnings required to earn one Social Security credit by year:
1970s–1980s
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1978: $250
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1979: $260
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1980: $290
-
1981: $310
-
1982: $340
-
1983: $370
-
1984: $390
-
1985: $410
-
1986: $440
-
1987: $460
-
1988: $470
-
1989: $500
1990s
-
1990: $520
-
1991: $540
-
1992: $570
-
1993: $590
-
1994: $620
-
1995: $630
-
1996: $640
-
1997: $670
-
1998: $700
-
1999: $740
2000s
-
2000: $780
-
2001: $830
-
2002: $870
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2003: $890
-
2004: $900
-
2005: $920
-
2006: $970
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2007: $1,000
-
2008: $1,050
-
2009: $1,090
2010s
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2010: $1,120
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2011: $1,120
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2012: $1,130
-
2013: $1,160
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2014: $1,200
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2015: $1,220
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2016: $1,260
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2017: $1,300
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2018: $1,320
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2019: $1,360
2020s
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2020: $1,410
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2021: $1,470
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2022: $1,510
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2023: $1,640
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2024: $1,730
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2025: $1,810
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2026: $1,890
What This Means for Michigan Residents Pursuing SSDI
If you live in Michigan and have a disabling condition (such as back pain, neurological issues, or another impairment), earning enough recent credits is often a key hurdle to SSDI approval. Missing credits can delay or deny a claim, even if your medical evidence is strong.
Our firm helps Michigan clients evaluate their work history, maximize credits, and build a complete SSDI application. If you’re unsure whether your earnings qualify you or need guidance on your disability claim, reach out for a free consultation.
We’re here to help protect your benefits and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today.