Life · Chapter 12 · Coverage & Eligibility
Quarter of Coverage (Credit)
Definition
The unit Social Security uses to measure insured status — also called a credit. Credits are earned on annual earnings — one credit per set dollar amount of covered earnings (indexed annually; $1,890 in 2026), up to a maximum of 4 credits per year. Each credit is assigned to a calendar quarter ending March 31, June 30, September 30, or December 31.
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These are what this term gets tested against — if you can't tell them apart cold, drill the contrast.
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