In 2026, you’ll earn one quarter of coverage for each $1,890 that you earn, with a maximum of four credits achievable per calendar year. Quarters of coverage are granted strictly on income, so as soon as you earn $7,560 in 2026, you’ll already earn your maximum four quarters of coverage for the year. Although you won’t earn retirement benefits, you may be able to earn disability benefits with fewer than 40 quarters of coverage.