Eligibility Rules for Social Security Retirement Benefits Are Changing in 2026

Core Insights - The article discusses upcoming changes to Social Security eligibility rules in 2026, which will affect how workers qualify for retirement benefits [1][3]. Summary by Sections Eligibility Requirements - Workers must earn a total of 40 work credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, which can be earned at a rate of four credits per year, requiring at least a decade of work [4][6]. Changes in Work Credit Earnings - Starting in 2026, the amount of earnings required to earn work credits will increase. In 2025, one work credit is earned for every $1,810 in covered earnings, while in 2026, this will rise to $1,890 per credit, necessitating a total of $7,560 to earn the maximum four credits for the year [5][7]. Impact on Low-Income Earners - The changes may significantly impact lower-income earners and part-time workers, who may struggle to meet the new thresholds for earning work credits if they barely qualified under the previous rules [8].