To determine eligibility for various benefits, the Social Security Administration uses a system of credits to determine if minimum work requirements have been met. Typical number of credits required for eligibility of benefits is 40. The maximum number of credits that can be earned in 2020 is 4. One credit is equal to earned compensation of $1,410, and the four possible credits for 2020 would be equal to earned compensation of $5,640.
In some situations, benefits may be granted to individuals with less than 40 credits. For example if you become disabled at a younger age, you may qualify for disability benefits with few credits.