Where to Check Your Social Security Information
You can view your Social Security account online through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration. This is the fastest way to see your earnings record, estimated benefits, and payment history without calling or visiting an office.
To access my Social Security, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and create a login using your email address. You will need to verify your identity — the system uses information from your credit file and may ask security questions only you would know the answers to. Once you are logged in, you can check your account anytime, from any device.
If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the week.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your earnings record and estimated benefits anytime without waiting on hold.
- Your earnings record shows what the Social Security Administration has on file for your work history — errors here directly affect your benefit amount.
- You should check your record at least once every three years, or right away if you notice a gap in your work history.
- If you find an error, contact Social Security with your W-2s or tax returns as proof and request a correction in writing.
What Information You Can See in Your Account
Once you log into my Social Security, you will see your earnings record — a year-by-year breakdown of the wages Social Security has recorded under your name and Social Security number. This record is what Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount, so accuracy matters.
You will also see an estimate of your retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current earnings record. This estimate updates once a year, usually in September or October. The estimate assumes you will continue working at your current pace until your full retirement age, so it may change if your work history changes.
Your account also shows your payment history if you are already receiving benefits — the dates and amounts of each payment, plus any taxes withheld. If you have a my Social Security account, you can also see your Social Security Statement, which summarizes your earnings history and benefit estimates in one document.
How to Spot Errors in Your Earnings Record
Look for gaps in your earnings history — years where you worked but Social Security shows zero earnings. This often happens when an employer reported your wages under the wrong name or Social Security number, or when the report was delayed. Even one missing year of earnings can lower your benefit amount.
Check that the names and Social Security numbers match what you used at each job. If you changed your name and did not notify Social Security, earnings under your old name may not be linked to your current account. Similarly, if an employer used a wrong Social Security number, those wages will not show up on your record.
Compare your online record to your own tax returns and W-2s from the past five to ten years. Social Security keeps records going back much further, but errors are easiest to fix when you have recent documentation. If the amounts do not match, that is a sign to contact Social Security.
How to Report and Correct Errors
If you find an error, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Have your W-2s or tax returns ready — you will need to show proof of the correct earnings. Social Security will not correct your record based on your word alone.
You can also submit a written request by mail. Include copies (not originals) of your W-2s or tax returns, a letter explaining what is wrong and what the correct information should be, and your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Mail it to your local Social Security office — you can find the address at ssa.gov/locator.
Corrections usually take several weeks to process. Social Security will contact you by mail once the change is made. If your record was wrong, your benefit amount may be recalculated, and you may receive back pay if you were already receiving benefits.
What to Do If You Cannot Log In
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the my Social Security login page. Social Security will send you a reset link to your email address. If you do not have access to the email you used to create your account, you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 to reset it.
If you have trouble verifying your identity during account creation, Social Security may ask you to verify in person at a local office or by phone. This usually happens if your credit file is thin or if there is a mismatch between the information you entered and what is on file. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule a verification appointment.
Some people are locked out of their accounts after too many failed login attempts. Wait 24 hours before trying again, or call Social Security to unlock your account manually.
How Often You Should Check Your Account
The Social Security Administration recommends checking your earnings record at least once every three years. This gives you time to catch and correct errors before they affect your benefits. If you are within a few years of retirement, check annually — errors caught closer to your retirement date are easier to fix before your first payment.
Check right away if you notice a gap in your work history, if you recently changed your name, or if you worked under a different Social Security number at any point. Also check after a major life event like a divorce, since your record may be affected by name changes or corrections to your work history.
If you have already reported an error to Social Security, check back after a few weeks to confirm the correction was made. Social Security will send you a letter, but logging in yourself is the fastest way to verify.
Understanding Your Benefit Estimate
The benefit estimate in your my Social Security account shows what you could receive at your full retirement age, at age 62 (the earliest you can claim), and at age 70 (the latest you can delay). These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you will not work anymore after the current year.
The estimate is not a promise — your actual benefit will depend on when you claim, whether you continue working, and any changes to Social Security law. If you plan to work longer than the estimate assumes, your benefit will be higher. If you claim before your full retirement age, your benefit will be lower.
The estimate also shows what your family members might receive if you become disabled or pass away. Spouses, ex-spouses, and children may be may have access to to benefits based on your record, and the estimate gives you a rough idea of those amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I worked under a different name or Social Security number in the past?
Contact Social Security with proof of the name or number change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Social Security can link earnings under your old name or number to your current account, but you have to request it. Bring documentation to your local office or mail copies to Social Security.
Can I check someone else's Social Security account?
No. Only the account holder can log in to my Social Security. If you are a representative payee managing benefits for someone else, you have limited access to their account. If you are a family member trying to help an older relative, ask them to log in while you are there, or contact Social Security by phone with the person present.
How far back does my earnings record go?
Social Security keeps your complete earnings history on file. Your online account shows the past several decades, but you can request a full record by calling 1-800-772-1213. The record goes back to when you first got your Social Security number.
What happens if I find an error but do not correct it before I claim benefits?
You can still correct errors after you start receiving benefits. Social Security will recalculate your benefit and send you back pay for the months you were underpaid. However, it is easier and faster to correct errors before you claim, so do not wait.
Is my information safe on my Social Security account?
My Social Security uses encryption and multi-factor verification to protect your account. Your information is as find as any government website. Do not share your login with anyone, and do not access your account on a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN.