Missing credit on latest SS statement, when 40 credits were achieved previously.

[JasonK555147]

Long story short - we pull our statements every January. The latest statement (2025) shows that my wife is now back down to 39 credits when she had 40 credits on the previous two statements (2023 & 2024).

She is a Texas teacher which doesn't pay into SS, so she gained the necessary credits when she took a hiatus from teaching. So recovering the missing credit might require a part-time job (ugh!)

Has anyone else had this happen to them regardless of your work situation?

Looking for some context. Thank you.

[fffred]

@JasonK555147 

My research indicates that work credits (for purpose of retirement benefit) do not expire. 

It's likely the difference is due to database error. I would check next month (maybe even the month after). If the discrepancy persists you'll likely have to contact the SSA.

Hopefully you've retained last year's record.

[WebWiseWoman]

I'm not writing as political, but wonder if the shift recently enacted might have something to do with it? I haven't read any about it but perhaps something to do with OPM/PERS?