What is the minimum number of credits an individual must earn during a 13-quarter period to be considered currently insured?

To be considered currently insured under Social Security guidelines, an individual must earn a minimum of 6 credits during a 13-quarter period. Credits are awarded based on an individual's earnings; specifically, in 2023, a person earns one credit for every $1,640 of earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year.

This requirement reflects the need for individuals to demonstrate a degree of work history and involvement in the labor force. Maintaining a sufficient number of credits ensures that individuals have access to various benefits, including disability insurance and retirement benefits.

In the context of the choices provided, while options like 4, 8, and 10 credits might seem plausible, they do not meet the specific criteria established for current insurance status. The threshold is set at 6 credits to align with Social Security's requirements, which are designed to provide a fair measure of contributions to the system in a relatively short timeframe.