Understanding How Quarters of Coverage are Credited for Social Security Disability Benefits, § 404.144

Quarters of Coverage (QCs) are a critical factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits.

https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0144.htm

To be eligible for these benefits, an individual must have earned a certain number of QCs through paying Social Security taxes. This guide provides an overview of how QCs are credited for calendar years after 1977, including the amount of wages and self-employment income required for each QC and the rules for assigning QCs to specific calendar quarters.

Crediting QCs: Under Section 404.143 of the Social Security Administration’s regulations, QCs are credited based on the total wages and self-employment income paid to an individual in a calendar year. Each QC represents a portion of the total wages and self-employment income credited to the individual that equals the amount required for a QC in that year.

For example, in calendar year 2022, the amount of wages and self-employment income required for each QC is determined by a formula in Section 213(d)(2) of the Social Security Act that reflects national increases in average wages. The amount of wages and self-employment income required for each QC for calendar year 2022 will be published in the Federal Register on or before November 1, 2021.

Assigning QCs: QCs are assigned to specific calendar quarters only if the assignment is necessary to give the individual fully or currently insured status, entitle them to a computation or recomputation of their primary insurance amount, or permit them to establish a period of disability.

For example, if an individual has earned four QCs in a calendar year, those QCs may be assigned to the first four calendar quarters of the year if necessary to establish fully or currently insured status.

Importance for Social Security Disability Benefits: The number of QCs an individual has earned is a critical factor in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. A person generally needs 40 QCs to be eligible for these benefits. Understanding how QCs are credited and assigned is important in determining eligibility and ensuring that an individual receives the maximum benefits they are entitled to.

Conclusion: Understanding how QCs are credited and assigned for Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process. However, it is an important factor in determining eligibility and ensuring that individuals receive the benefits they are entitled to. If you have questions about QCs or need assistance in determining your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney or Social Security representative.