.43 After all the earnings are obtained for or on behalf of the noncitizen whose eligibility is in question, the CWD shall use the “ESTABLISHING QUARTERS” chart below to determine if the amount of earnings is sufficient to establish the required number of credits.

HANDBOOK BEGINS HERE ESTABLISHING QUARTERS The term “quarter” means the 3 calendar month periods ending with March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of any year. Social Security credits (formerly called “quarters of coverage”) are earned by working at a job or as a self employed individual. A maximum of 4 credits can be earned each year. HANDBOOK CONTINUES Page 174.5 FOOD STAMP REGULATIONS Regulations ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS 63-405 (Cont.) (Continued) HANDBOOK CONTINUES For 1978 and later, credits are based solely on the total yearly amount of earnings. All types of earnings follow this rule. The amount of earnings needed to earn a credit increases and is different for each year. For 1978 forward, the amount of earnings needed for each credit is: 1978 $250 1989 $500 1979 $260 1990 $520 1980 $290 1991 $540 1981 $310 1992 $570 1982 $340 1993 $590 1983 $370 1994 $620 1984 $390 1995 $630 1985 $410 1996 $640 1986 $440 1997 $670 1987 $460 1998 $700 1988 $470 1999 $740 2000 $780 A current year quarter may be included in the 40 quarter computation. To determine the number of credits, divide the individual’s total yearly earnings by the amount shown above for that year. For example, earnings of $1360 in 1982 results in four credits ($1360 divided by 340). DO NOT CREDIT CALENDAR QUARTERS THAT HAVE NOT ENDED. If you need to use quarters before 1978: A credit was earned for each calendar quarter in which an individual was paid $50 or more in wages (including agricultural wages for 1951-1954); Four credits were earned for each taxable year in which an individual’s net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more; and/or A credit was earned for each $100 (limited to a total of 4) of agricultural wages paid during the year for years 1955 through 1977. HANDBOOK ENDS HERE