Where to check your Social Security record online

You can view your Social Security earnings history and benefit estimates through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration. To use it, you create a username and password, then log in to see your earnings record, estimated benefits at different ages, and your current payment amount if you are already receiving benefits.

The website is ssa.gov/myaccount. You do not need to call or visit an office to set up an account — it takes about 10 minutes online. Once you are logged in, the "Earnings Record" tab shows every year of wages the Social Security Administration has on file for you, going back to when you started working. The "Benefit Estimates" tab shows what you could receive at age 62, your full retirement age, and age 70.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, you can request a paper copy of your earnings record by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office in person. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount shows your complete earnings history and what you could receive at different ages.
  • You must create a username and password to log in, which takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity.
  • Your earnings record should match your actual work history — if it does not, you can request a correction by contacting Social Security.
  • Benefit estimates shown online assume you continue working until the age you check, so they change each year as you earn more.
  • If you cannot use the website, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office to request a paper earnings statement.

What information you will see in your account

Your earnings record lists your gross wages (before taxes) for each year you worked, along with the amount of Social Security tax you and your employer paid. This record is what Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. If you worked under different names — for example, before a marriage — those earnings should all appear under your current name once Social Security has processed the name change.

The benefit estimate tool shows three numbers: what you could receive if you claim at age 62 (the earliest age), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and at age 70 (the latest age to delay and receive a higher payment). These are estimates only and assume you continue to work and earn until the age you select. If you stop working or your earnings change, the estimates will be different when you check again next year.

You will also see your current payment amount if you are already receiving Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. This shows what was deposited into your bank account or mailed to you in the most recent month.

How to spot errors in your earnings record

Mistakes in your earnings record can lower your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for accuracy. Common errors include wages that were reported under the wrong name or Social Security number, wages that appear in the wrong year, or wages that are missing entirely. If you worked for an employer who did not report your earnings correctly, or if you changed your name and some old employers' records did not update, these gaps can show up here.

If you find an error, contact Social Security as soon as you can. You will need to provide proof of the correct earnings — usually a copy of your tax return, a W-2 form, or a pay stub from that year. Social Security can then contact your former employer to verify the correct amount. The process typically takes several weeks to several months, depending on how far back the error goes and whether the employer still has records.

Do not wait until you are about to claim benefits to check for errors. If you find a mistake years after the wages were earned, Social Security has limits on how far back they can correct records. Checking your account every few years gives you time to fix problems before they affect your benefit calculation.

Understanding your full retirement age

Your full retirement age is the age at which Social Security considers you may be able to access to receive your full benefit amount with no reduction. This age is not 65 for everyone — it depends on the year you were born. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, your full retirement age is 66. If you were born between 1955 and 1960, it is between 66 and 67. If you were born in 1960 or later, it is 67.

You can claim benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly payment will be permanently reduced — typically by 25 to 30 percent compared to what you would receive at your full retirement age. If you delay claiming past your full retirement age until age 70, your monthly payment increases by about 8 percent for each year you wait. My Social Security shows all three amounts so you can see the difference.

Your full retirement age is important because it also affects how much you can earn while still receiving benefits. If you claim before your full retirement age and continue working, Social Security reduces your benefits if your earnings exceed a certain limit (the limit changes each year). Once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn any amount without a reduction to your benefits.

What to do if you cannot log into your account

If you forget your password, my Social Security has a "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page. Click it and follow the steps to reset your access. You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or using a text message or email code.

If you have trouble verifying your identity online, you can create an account in person at your local Social Security office. Bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency (such as a birth certificate or passport), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). An employee can help you set up your account and make sure your identity is confirmed in their system.

If you do not have a computer or internet connection, you can still view your earnings record and benefit information by calling 1-800-772-1213. A representative can read your information to you over the phone, though they cannot change any details during the call. For changes to your account, you will need to visit an office or create an online account.

How often your information updates

Social Security updates your earnings record once a year, typically in the spring. This happens after employers have filed their annual wage reports with the IRS. If you worked in the previous year, your most recent earnings should appear in your account by mid-May, though it can take longer if your employer filed late.

Your benefit estimate updates automatically each time you log in, because it recalculates based on your current age and the earnings record on file. If you worked during the past year and those wages have been added to your record, your estimate will be higher than it was the previous year. If you did not work, the estimate stays the same.

If you are already receiving benefits, your payment amount updates once a year in December. Social Security announces the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in October, and the new payment amount takes effect in January. You can see the new amount in your my Social Security account in December, or you will see it in your January payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security account find?

My Social Security uses encryption and security measures similar to online banking. You are the only person who can log in with your username and password. Social Security does not ask for your password by email or phone, so if someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message and report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

Can I check someone else's Social Security information?

No. Each person must log into their own my Social Security account. A spouse, adult child, or caregiver cannot view another person's account without that person's username and password. If you are managing finances for an elderly parent or disabled family member and need their information, you can ask them to share their login details with you, or they can authorize you as a representative payee through Social Security.

What if my earnings record shows I worked but I do not remember that job?

It is possible your name was on a job you do not recall, or that you worked under a different name. Review the years and amounts listed. If you recognize the employer but the amount seems wrong, contact Social Security with proof of your actual earnings from that year. If you do not recognize the employer at all, it could indicate identity theft — contact Social Security and the IRS to report it.

Do I need to check my account before I claim benefits?

Yes. Checking your account a few months before you plan to claim gives you time to spot and fix any errors in your earnings record. If there are mistakes, Social Security can correct them before your benefits start. If you claim without checking and there are errors, your benefit amount will be lower than it should be, and corrections take time.

What if my benefit estimate looks too low?

First, check that your earnings record is complete and accurate. If you see missing years or amounts that do not match your tax returns, report those errors. Also remember that the estimate assumes you stop working at the age you select — if you plan to keep working and earning more, your actual benefit will be higher. If everything looks correct and you still have questions about how your benefit was calculated, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.