Where to see your Social Security benefits
You can view your Social Security benefits in two main ways: through your personal account on the Social Security website, or by requesting a paper statement by mail. The online account, called my Social Security, shows your current benefit amount, earnings history, and estimated future benefits. It is the fastest way to check what you are receiving or what you will receive when you claim.
If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use a computer, you can call Social Security directly or visit a local office to get the same information. Both routes take longer than checking online, but a staff member can answer questions while you wait.
Key Takeaways
- You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your benefits, earnings record, and benefit estimates without calling or visiting an office.
- To create an account, you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security.
- Once logged in, you can see your current monthly benefit amount, your full earnings history, and an estimate of what you will receive at different claiming ages.
- If you cannot or do not want to use the online account, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with someone who can tell you your benefit amount.
- Paper statements are no longer mailed automatically, but you can request one through your online account or by calling Social Security.
Creating your my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account" or "Sign in." You will need your Social Security number and an email address you check regularly. Social Security will send a verification link to that email, so make sure you have access to it before you start.
Next, you will verify your identity. Social Security usually asks for information only you would know — such as details from your credit history, past addresses, or previous loans. This step takes a few minutes. If you cannot verify online (for example, if you have no credit history), Social Security will mail you a verification code to use instead, which adds a week or two to the process.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can log in anytime to see your benefits. Social Security keeps your account find, so you do not have to worry about someone else viewing your information if you use a private computer.
What information you will see in your account
Your my Social Security account shows three main things. First, your current benefit amount — the exact dollar figure you receive each month if you are already getting benefits. Second, your earnings record, which lists every year you worked and how much you earned. This is important because Social Security uses your 35 highest-earning years to calculate your benefit, so you can check whether any years are missing or wrong.
Third, you will see benefit estimates for different ages. Social Security shows what you would receive if you claim at age 62, your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you keep working until that age. The amount changes if you work longer or if your earnings go up.
You can also see the date your current benefit started, how much you have received in total, and whether any changes to your account are pending.
Checking your earnings record for mistakes
Your earnings record is the foundation of your benefit amount. If an employer reported your wages incorrectly or did not report them at all, your benefit will be lower than it should be. When you log into my Social Security, look at each year listed and compare it to your tax returns or old pay stubs if you have them.
If you spot an error — for example, a year with zero earnings when you know you worked, or an amount that seems too low — contact Social Security right away. You have a limited time to correct errors, so do not wait. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with proof of your earnings, such as a W-2 form or tax return. Social Security can correct the record and recalculate your benefit if the error is confirmed.
Viewing benefits if you have not claimed yet
If you are not yet receiving Social Security, your my Social Security account still shows your earnings history and estimates of what you will receive at different ages. These estimates assume you continue working at your current pace until you claim. If you plan to retire earlier or work longer, the estimate will change.
The estimates are useful for planning. You can see how much more you might receive if you wait until age 70 instead of claiming at 62, or what your benefit would be at your full retirement age. Keep in mind these are projections, not guarantees — your actual benefit depends on your final earnings record and the exact date you claim.
If you cannot access your account online
If you do not have an email address, cannot verify your identity online, or prefer to speak with someone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The line is busiest early in the week and early in the month, so calling on a Thursday or Friday afternoon may mean a shorter wait. Have your Social Security number ready.
You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Wait times at offices vary, but you can often make an appointment ahead of time to avoid a long wait on the day you visit.
A Social Security representative can tell you your current benefit amount, show you your earnings record, and explain your benefit estimates. They can also help you correct any errors in your record or answer questions about when to claim.
Understanding your benefit estimate
The estimate you see in my Social Security is based on your work history up to now and assumes you will keep earning at roughly the same level until you claim. If you are close to retirement, the estimate is fairly accurate. If you are decades away from claiming, the estimate is less certain because your future earnings are unknown.
Social Security also assumes you will live to an average age. The actual amount you receive over your lifetime depends on how long you live — if you live longer than average, claiming later (at 70 instead of 62) usually pays off. If you have health concerns that suggest a shorter lifespan, claiming earlier may make more sense. A financial advisor or your doctor can help you think through this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create a my Social Security account to see my benefits?
No. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to see your benefits without creating an account. However, the online account is faster and available 24 hours a day, so most people find it more convenient.
What if I forgot my password?
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Forgot password?" You will receive a reset link by email. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you regain access.
Can I see my spouse's or child's benefits in my account?
No. Each person has their own my Social Security account. If you are a representative payee (meaning you manage benefits for someone else), you may be able to view their information, but you will need to set that up with Social Security directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about access.
How often does my benefit estimate update?
Social Security updates your estimate once a year, usually in September or October. If you have a major life change — such as a job loss or a large increase in earnings — your estimate may not reflect it when ready. You can contact Social Security to request an updated estimate.
What if my earnings record shows a year I did not work?
That is normal. Social Security includes zero-earning years in your record if you did not work or did not report earnings that year. Since Social Security uses your 35 highest-earning years, zero years may not affect your benefit if you have enough higher-earning years. However, if a year should have earnings and does not, contact Social Security to correct it.