How were credits earned for years before 1978?
To earn credits for the years before 1978, you must have: Earned at least $50 in wages for employment covered under the law in any calendar quarter beginning January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1; Earned at least $100 in annual wages paid for agricultural labor for years after 1954 and before 1978; or $50 in wages paid for agricultural labor in any calendar quarter in 1951 through 1954. (See §214); Earned at least $400 in annual net earnings from self- employment in taxable years 1951 through 1977 (see §215); or Earned the maximum taxable wages for that year. For maximum taxable wages, (see §1301).
