Earnings Requirement
In order to earn credits (also called Quarters of Coverage) for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must satisfy the Earnings Requirement. Each year, you may earn up to four credits. The actual dollar amount which is needed to earn a quarter of coverage for Social Security Disability Insurance changes from year to year. As of 2016, the earnings requirement for a quarter of credit is $1,130. Once you have earned $4,520 you have earned all four credits available to you in 2016.