You can see your Social Security statement through your personal account on Social Security's website, or request a paper copy by mail
Your Social Security statement shows your earnings history, the taxes you have paid into Social Security, and an estimate of the benefits you may receive. The fastest way to view it is to create an account on ssa.gov and log in to see your statement anytime. If you prefer not to use the website, you can request a paper statement by mail, though it takes longer to arrive.
You do not need to wait for a specific time of year to look at your statement. You can check it whenever you want to verify your earnings record or see what your future benefits might be. Many people find it helpful to review their statement every few years to catch any errors in their work history before they claim benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your statement when ready online without visiting an office.
- Your statement shows your complete earnings history and estimates for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your age.
- If you find an error in your earnings record, you have a limited window to correct it, so review your statement well before you plan to claim benefits.
- You can request a paper statement by mail if you do not have internet access, though it takes two to four weeks to arrive.
Creating a my Social Security account to view your statement online
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You will need to provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Social Security will send a confirmation email to verify your address.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to view your statement. The statement includes your name, date of birth, and Social Security number as it appears in Social Security's records. It also shows your complete work history — every year you paid into Social Security and how much you earned in each year.
The statement displays three types of benefit estimates: what you might receive at full retirement age, what you might receive if you claim at 62 (the earliest age), and what you might receive if you claim at 70 (the latest age most people wait). These are estimates only, based on your current earnings record and the assumption that your earnings stay the same until you claim.
What information appears on your Social Security statement
Your statement lists every year you worked and paid Social Security taxes, along with your earnings for that year. This is important because Social Security calculates your benefit amount using your 35 highest-earning years. If you see a year missing or an amount that looks wrong, you should contact Social Security to correct it.
The statement also shows how much you and your employers have paid in Social Security taxes over your lifetime. This number can be surprising — it shows the total amount that has gone into the system on your behalf. Below that, you will see your estimated monthly benefit amounts at different claiming ages.
If you have worked under more than one Social Security number, or if you have a record with a different name, your statement will show only the earnings under the number and name you used to log in. If you think you have earnings under another number or name, contact Social Security before you claim benefits.
Requesting a paper statement by mail
If you do not have internet access or prefer a printed copy, you can request a statement by mail. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for form SSA-7050-F to be mailed to you. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person and request a statement there.
When you request a paper statement, Social Security will mail it to the address on file. It typically takes two to four weeks to arrive. The paper statement contains the same information as the online version — your earnings history and benefit estimates.
If you call, have your Social Security number ready. If you visit an office, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. You do not need an appointment for this request, but wait times vary by location.
Correcting errors in your earnings record
If you notice an error — a missing year of work, an incorrect amount, or earnings listed under the wrong name or number — contact Social Security as soon as you see it. The sooner you report an error, the easier it is to fix. You have a limited time to correct mistakes, so do not wait until you are ready to claim benefits.
To report an error, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Have your statement in front of you and be ready to explain which year or years are wrong and what the correct information should be. You may need to provide documents like old tax returns or W-2 forms to prove your earnings.
Social Security will investigate the error and contact you with the results. If the error is confirmed, they will update your record. This can change your benefit estimate, so it is worth the effort to get it right.
Understanding your benefit estimates
The three benefit amounts on your statement show what you might receive per month at different ages. The earliest age you can claim is 62, but your monthly payment will be smaller than if you wait. Your full retirement age — the age at which you receive your full benefit amount — depends on the year you were born and ranges from 66 to 67 for people born in 1943 or later.
If you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your monthly benefit increases by about 8 percent for each year you wait, up until age 70. The statement shows your estimated amount at 70, which is the highest monthly payment most people will receive. These estimates assume you continue to work and earn at your current level until you claim.
Keep in mind that these are estimates, not guarantees. Your actual benefit may be higher or lower depending on your earnings between now and when you claim, changes in Social Security law, and other factors. The statement is a tool to help you plan, not a promise of a specific amount.
What to do if you cannot log into your account
If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the my Social Security login page. Social Security will send you a link to reset it. If you forget your email address or username, click "Forgot username?" and follow the steps to recover it.
If you have trouble creating an account or logging in after trying these steps, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can help you troubleshoot the problem or arrange another way for you to view your statement. You can also visit a local Social Security office for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my Social Security statement?
You can check it as often as you like, but many people review it every few years to make sure their earnings record is correct. If you are within five years of claiming benefits, it is a good idea to check it at least once to catch any errors before you explore.
Can I see my statement if I have never worked?
You can create a my Social Security account and view a statement, but it will show no earnings history. If you are may be able to access for benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record, that information will not appear on your own statement — you will need to contact Social Security to learn about those options.
What if my statement shows earnings I do not recognize?
Contact Social Security right away with the year and amount in question. Bring documents like old tax returns or W-2 forms to support your claim. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if the earnings were reported under your number by mistake.
Do I need to do anything with my statement once I view it?
No action is required just from viewing it. Your statement is informational and helps you plan for retirement. You only need to take action if you find an error or if you are ready to claim benefits, at which point you will contact Social Security to start your claim.
Can someone else view my Social Security statement?
No. Only you can log into your my Social Security account using your email and password. If you want a family member or representative to see your statement, you must give them permission through a separate process, or you can print your statement and share it with them yourself.