What Are Social Security Credits?

When you retire, the Social Security benefits you receive will be based on the amount of Social Security credits you have earned throughout your career. Social Security credits are the units that the Social Security Administration uses to determine whether or not a person has earned various kinds of Social Security benefits. Certain benefits require more or less credits than others. Social Security credits are awarded to you automatically as Social Security payroll taxes are deducted from your income.

If you are applying for Social Security benefits and need help or would like to appeal a denial of benefits, the Indianapolis Social Security lawyers at Hankey Marks & Crider, may be of assistance. Contact us at (317) 634-8565 today to learn more about how our dedicated Social Security attorneys can help you.

How Are Social Security Credits Accumulated?

The minimum number of years of qualifying work required to receive Social Security benefits is ten. After ten years of work, a person should almost always have accumulated the 40 credits it takes to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits.

In the year 2012, workers will receive one credit for every $1,130 they earn. Credits are awarded at a maximum of four per year. You are likely to receive more credits than you need throughout the course of your career, but your extra credits will not account for extra benefits. The monthly amount of benefits you receive will, however, be determined by how much your average earnings throughout your working career were.

Contact Us

If you need help filing for Social Security retirement benefits or have had your application rejected, the Indianapolis Social Security lawyers at Hankey Marks & Crider, are prepared to lend their skills and experience to your aid. Contact us by calling (317) 634-8565.