Use this information sheet to determine whether an individual has sufficient earnings to yield a quarter of coverage.
A credit was earned for each calendar quarter in which an individual was paid $50 or more in wages (including agriculture wages for 1951–1955).
Four credits were earned for each taxable year in which an individual’s net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more.
A credit was earned for each $100 (limited to a total of 4) of agriculture wages during the year for years 1955–1977.
Credits are based solely on the total yearly amount of earnings.
The number of qualifying quarters of coverage (QQ) is obtained by dividing the individual’s total earned income by the increment amount for the year.
All types of earnings follow this rule.
The amount of earnings needed to earn a credit increases and is different for each year.
Use the following chart to determine quarters of coverage:
|
Year |
Amount for Each Credit |
Minimum Annual Income for 4 Credits |
|
2016 |
1,260 |
$5,040 |
|
2015 |
$1,220 |
$4,880 |
|
2014 |
$1,200 |
$4,800 |
|
2013 |
$1,160 |
$4,640 |
|
2012 |
$1,130 |
$4,520 |
|
2011 |
$1,120 |
$4,480 |
|
2010 |
$1,120 |
$4,480 |
|
2009 |
$1,090 |
$4,360 |
|
2008 |
$1,050 |
$4,200 |
|
2007 |
$1,000 |
$4,000 |
|
2006 |
$970 |
$3,880 |
|
2005 |
$920 |
$3,680 |
|
2004 |
$900 |
$3,600 |
|
2003 |
$890 |
$3,560 |
|
2002 |
$870 |
$3,480 |
|
2001 |
$830 |
$3,320 |
|
2000 |
$780 |
$3,120 |
A credit equals one quarter.
A maximum of 4 credits/quarters can be earned each year.
A current-year quarter may be included in the 40-quarter computation.
Follow your agency guidelines regarding counting a quarter that has not ended.
NOTE: You may not count any quarter after December 31, 1996, if the immigrant, parent ,or spouse received a federal means-tested public benefit during the quarter.
Updated June 10, 2016 Reissued October 7, 2014 , replacing March 1, 2012