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The Social Security service bases the number of credits a person receives on the amount of money they earn and the amount of time they have worked. With each year that passes, the amount of money you need to make in order to earn social security credits rises; in 2008, it is one credit for $1,050 of earnings. These credits are also called quarters, as you can earn a maximum of four of them a year; any social security "quarters" that you earn during your working career will remain on your record even during times of unemployment. In order to qualify for social security benefits, you need to reach a certain number of credits. The number of credits you need for social security is based on your current age, and is calculated by the number of years you have worked.