What is the number of social security credits a worker needs to earn over his or her working lifetime to collect Social security benefits?

According to the Social Security Administration website, the number of work credits you need to get benefits depends on when you were born. If you were born in 1929 or afterward, you need 40 credits. If you were born before 1929, you don't need 40: 39 credits are required if you were born in 1928, 38 credits if you were born in 1927, etc.