Title: Quarter of Coverage. URL Source: https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/QC.html. Latest amount and QC explanation. The amount of earnings required for a quarter of coverage (QC) in 2026 is $1,890. With this change to annual reporting, the law provided that a quarter of coverage be credited for each $250 of an individual's total wages and self-employment income for calendar year 1978, up to a maximum of 4 quarters of coverage for the year. After 1978, the amount of earnings needed for a quarter of coverage changes automatically each year with changes in the national average wage index. Determination of the quarter of coverage amount for 2026. The law specifies that the quarter of coverage (QC) amount for 2026 is equal to the 1978 amount of $250 multiplied by the ratio of the national average wage index for 2024 to that for 1976, or, if larger, the 2025 amount of $1,810. If the amount so determined is not a multiple of $10, it shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10. Calculation details. Amounts in formula. 1978 earnings for one QC $250. 1976 average wage index 9,226.48. 2024 average wage index 69,846.57. Computation $250 times 69,846.57 divided by 9,226.48 equals $1,892.56, which rounds to $1,890. Higher amount $1,890 exceeds the amount for 2025, so the earnings needed to earn one QC in 2026 is $1,890.