I had problems with "credits" with SS as well. Evidently you have to work a number of quarters consecutlively in order to quality. I had health issues pop up, where I took a number of years off, then went back to work. The previous quarters are dropped, and you start over. NO is is not fair. It should be the cummulative number of quarters you work, I hope you get all the help you need. Retain a legal assistant or a lawyer to help you. They keep the case moving forward. ginnie