You can check your Social Security credits online, by phone, or by mail in about 15 minutes

Your Social Security credits are the record of work you have done and taxes you have paid into the system. You need a certain number of credits to receive benefits later — typically 40 credits total, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years, to may have access to for retirement or disability benefits. The fastest way to see how many you have is to create an account on the Social Security Administration website and view your statement there. You can also call Social Security directly or request a paper statement by mail.

Checking your credits takes only a few minutes and costs nothing. It also lets you spot errors in your work history before they affect your benefits. Many people find mistakes — a missing employer, a misspelled name, or wages credited to the wrong year — that are straightforward to fix if you catch them early.

Key Takeaways

  • You can view your Social Security credits and earnings record online at ssa.gov by creating a my Social Security account, which takes about 10 minutes.
  • Social Security credits are earned one per quarter of the year you work and pay Social Security taxes, up to a maximum of four per year.
  • You need 40 credits total to receive retirement or disability benefits, though some survivor benefits require fewer credits.
  • If you find an error in your work history, you can report it to Social Security with pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns as proof.
  • If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or request a paper statement by mail.

Creating a my Social Security account to view your credits online

The my Social Security website (ssa.gov) is the fastest way to see your credits and earnings record. Go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," and follow the steps. You will need a valid email address and a way to verify your identity — usually a Social Security number, date of birth, and either a driver's license number or state ID number. Some people are asked to verify their identity through a video call with a Social Security representative, which takes a few extra minutes.

Once your account is set up, log in and select "Earnings Record" from the menu. You will see a year-by-year breakdown of wages you have earned and how many credits you received each year. The statement also shows your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current work record. You can read or print this information to keep for your records.

If you already have a Social Security account for other purposes, you can use the same login to view your credits — you do not need to create a second account.

Calling Social Security to request your credits over the phone

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. A representative can tell you how many credits you have and answer questions about your work history.

Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter at no cost.

Requesting a paper statement by mail

You can also request a printed Social Security Statement by mail. Go to ssa.gov/mystatement and fill out the form, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a statement to be mailed to you. Social Security will send it within two to four weeks. The statement shows your earnings history, the number of credits you have earned, and your estimated benefits.

This method takes longer than checking online or calling, but it may be your best option if you do not have internet access or prefer a paper copy you can file away.

Understanding what the credits mean for your benefits

One Social Security credit is earned for each quarter of the year you work and pay Social Security taxes. A quarter is three months. You can earn a maximum of four credits per year — one for each quarter. The amount of money you earn in a quarter does not matter; you either earn the credit or you do not, based on whether you paid enough in Social Security taxes that quarter.

For retirement benefits, you need 40 credits total — which usually means 10 years of work. For disability benefits, the number of credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled, but it is usually between 20 and 40 credits. Survivor benefits (paid to your family if you die) may require fewer credits, especially if you are young when you die.

If you do not have enough credits yet, your statement will show how many more you need. You can continue working to earn additional credits, and Social Security will update your record each year.

What to do if you find an error in your work history

If your earnings record shows a missing employer, incorrect wages, or a year with no earnings when you know you worked, report it to Social Security as soon as possible. Errors can lower your benefits if they are not fixed. Gather proof of the correct information — a recent pay stub, a W-2 form, or a copy of your tax return — and bring it to your local Social Security office or mail it to the address on your statement.

You can also report an error by calling 1-800-772-1213. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if your proof supports the change. Corrections usually take a few weeks to process. If the error happened many years ago, you may need to provide older documents, such as a copy of a tax return from that year.

Do not wait to report an error. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to find proof, and the longer the mistake will affect your record.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits do I need to get Social Security benefits?

You need 40 credits total for retirement or full disability benefits, which usually means 10 years of work. Survivor benefits for your family may require fewer credits depending on your age. Your statement will show exactly how many more credits you need.

What if I worked under a different name or Social Security number in the past?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation. Bring documents that show the name change or number change — such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security can merge the work records if you provide proof.

Can I check my credits if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, if you have a valid Social Security number and work history in the United States, you can check your credits the same way as anyone else. You will need to verify your identity to create an online account, which may require a state ID or driver's license.

How often should I check my Social Security credits?

You can check once a year to make sure your earnings are recorded correctly. Social Security updates your record each year after you file your taxes, so checking in the spring or summer is a good time to spot any errors from the previous year.

What if I cannot remember my password for my Social Security account?

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. You will need to verify your identity again. If you have trouble, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access to your account.