You can get your Social Security statement online in minutes, by phone, or by mail
Your Social Security statement shows your earnings history and estimates what you might receive at different ages. You can view it anytime through your personal account on the Social Security website, call the Social Security Administration directly, or request one by mail. The fastest way is online — you create a free account, sign in, and your statement appears when ready.
The statement matters because it lets you check whether Social Security has your earnings recorded correctly. Mistakes in your record can lower your benefits later. Reviewing it every few years catches errors while there is still time to fix them.
Key Takeaways
- Create a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your statement when ready without waiting.
- Your statement shows your complete earnings history and benefit estimates at ages 62, full retirement age, and 70.
- You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a statement by phone, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
- If you find an error in your earnings record, contact Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred to correct it.
Creating a my Social Security account 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 ask you to verify your identity — this usually means answering questions about your credit history or past addresses that only you would know.
Once your account is set up and verified, sign in and select "View your statement." Your full earnings record and benefit estimates appear on screen. You can print it, save it as a PDF, or just read it there. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes the first time.
If you already have a my Social Security account, straightforward sign in and your statement is ready to view. Social Security updates the information once a year, usually in September or October.
Requesting a statement by phone or mail
Call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a Social Security representative. Have your Social Security number ready. Tell them you want to request a Social Security statement. They will ask for your name, date of birth, and mailing address. The statement arrives by mail in about two weeks.
You can also request a statement by mail using Form SSA-7050-F-OS. read it from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it to the address listed on the form. This method takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but works if you prefer not to create an online account.
What your statement includes
Your statement shows every year you worked and how much you earned in each year. It lists the taxes you paid into Social Security and Medicare. It also shows three benefit estimates: what you would receive if you claimed at age 62, at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), and at age 70.
The estimates assume you continue working at your current earnings level until you claim. If you plan to retire earlier or later, or if your income changes significantly, the estimates may shift. The statement also notes whether you have enough work credits to receive benefits — you generally need 40 credits, earned over about 10 years of work.
Checking for errors in your earnings record
Look at each year on your statement and compare it to your tax returns or old pay stubs if you have them. Common errors include missing years of work, earnings recorded under the wrong year, or amounts that do not match what you actually earned. If you spot a mistake, contact Social Security as soon as you can.
Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring documents that prove your earnings — W-2 forms, tax returns, or pay stubs are best. Social Security has a important date: you must report an error within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year it occurred. After that window closes, the record is considered final and cannot be changed.
What to do if you cannot create an online account
If you have trouble verifying your identity online, Social Security offers other ways to set up your account. You can visit a local Social Security office and create one in person with a representative. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card or a tax return.
If you are not yet 18, or if you live outside the United States, you cannot create a my Social Security account online. Call 1-800-772-1213 to request your statement by phone instead. Representatives can also help if you have questions about your earnings record or need to report a correction.
When to review your statement
Social Security recommends checking your statement every year or at least every few years. The best time is after you file your taxes, when your most recent earnings are fresh in your mind. If you are within five years of claiming benefits, review it more often — errors discovered close to your claim date are harder to fix.
If you have had a name change, worked under a different name, or worked for a railroad, check your statement more carefully. These situations sometimes cause records to be split or mismatched. Catching these problems early gives you time to work with Social Security to straighten them out before you need your benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a my Social Security account to see my statement?
No. You can request a statement by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or by mail using Form SSA-7050-F-OS. An online account is the fastest option, but not required.
What if I do not remember my password for my Social Security account?
Click "Forgot password?" on the sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it. Social Security will send a link to your email address. If you cannot access your email, call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
Can I see my statement if I am not yet 62?
Yes. Anyone with a Social Security number can view their statement at any age. It is useful to check it regularly throughout your working years to catch errors early.
How far back does my earnings record go?
Your statement shows your entire earnings history from the year you first worked. Social Security keeps records going back decades, so you can see your complete work record.
What if my statement shows I do not have enough credits to receive benefits?
You need 40 credits to receive retirement benefits, which usually takes about 10 years of work. If you are still working, you may earn more credits. Contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation and what benefits you might receive based on your record.