Where to view your benefits statement
You can view your Social Security benefits information in two 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 earnings record, estimated retirement benefits, and current payment status if you are already receiving benefits. The paper statement takes about two weeks to arrive and contains the same core information.
The online account is faster and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to be receiving benefits yet to create one — you can set up an account at any age to see your earnings history and benefit estimates. If you prefer not to use the internet, the mailed statement is still available and contains no information you cannot find online.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your benefits, earnings record, and payment status without waiting or calling.
- You will need an email address, phone number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, passport, or state ID number.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, you can request a paper statement by mail instead, which arrives in about two weeks.
- Your earnings record shows all the wages Social Security has on file for you, which directly affects your benefit amount.
- If you spot an error in your earnings record, report it to Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred.
How to create a my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" or "Sign in" at the top of the page. You will be asked for your email address, a password, and a phone number where you can receive a code. Social Security will send you a text or call with a verification code — enter it to confirm your phone number is real.
Next, you will answer questions about your identity. Social Security uses information from your Social Security number, date of birth, and address to verify who you are. You may be asked to confirm details from your credit history, driver's license, or passport. If you pass this step, your account is created and you can log in when ready. If verification fails, Social Security will tell you why and offer other ways to prove your identity, such as visiting a local office in person.
What you will see in your account
Once logged in, your dashboard shows your current payment status (if you are receiving benefits), your estimated retirement benefit amount, and a link to your full earnings record. The earnings record lists every year you worked and the wages Social Security has recorded for that year. This is the most important section to review, because Social Security uses your 35 highest-earning years to calculate your benefit.
You will also see an estimate of your benefits at different ages — what you would receive if you claimed at 62, at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, between 66 and 67), or at 70. These are estimates only, based on your current earnings record and the assumption that you will not earn significantly more before you claim. The actual amount you receive depends on when you claim and your earnings between now and then.
How to request a paper statement by mail
If you cannot or do not want to create an online account, you can request a statement by mail. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Request a replacement Social Security Statement" at the bottom of the page. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address. Social Security will mail the statement to you in about two weeks.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for a statement to be mailed to you. Have your Social Security number ready. The statement will show the same information as your online account: your earnings record, estimated benefits at different ages, and your current payment status if you are already receiving benefits.
What to do if your earnings record has an error
Review your earnings record carefully, especially if you worked under a different name, changed jobs frequently, or worked for an employer that may have reported your wages incorrectly. If you see a year where your wages are missing or lower than you know they should be, contact Social Security as soon as possible.
You have a time limit: Social Security can only correct an error within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred. For example, if you worked in 2020 and the wages are wrong, you must report it by April 15, 2024. Gather your pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns for the year in question, then call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Social Security will contact your former employer to verify the correct amount and update your record.
Viewing benefits if you are already receiving payments
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, your my Social Security account shows your monthly payment amount, the date it is deposited, and your payment history for the past 12 months. You can also see any changes to your benefits, such as cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) that happen each year in January.
Your account also displays your Representative Payee information if someone else manages your benefits on your behalf. If you have questions about a specific payment or notice a payment is missing, your account shows the deposit date and amount, which you can use when you call Social Security to ask about it. Keep records of these dates in case you need to dispute a payment later.
Troubleshooting if you cannot access your account
If you forget your password, select "Forgot password?" on the login page and Social Security will send you a reset link to your email. If you cannot verify your identity during account creation, Social Security will explain which step failed and offer alternatives. Some people cannot pass the online verification because their credit history is too thin or their information does not match Social Security's records exactly.
If online verification does not work, you can verify your identity in person at your local Social Security office. Bring your Social Security card, driver's license or passport, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease). An employee will help you create your account on a computer at the office. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my benefits statement if I have not worked yet?
Yes. You can create a my Social Security account and view your earnings record at any age. If you have not worked, your record will show zero earnings, but you can still see what your estimated benefit would be based on your current age and the assumption that you will work until your full retirement age.
What if my name has changed since I worked?
Your earnings record is tied to your Social Security number, not your name. If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, your old earnings are still attached to your number. When you create your my Social Security account, use your current legal name and Social Security number — the system will find all your earnings history automatically.
How often should I check my earnings record?
Social Security recommends checking your record at least once a year, especially if you have worked for multiple employers or changed jobs. The longer you wait to report an error, the harder it becomes to correct. If you spot a discrepancy, report it within the three-year window to avoid losing credit for those wages.
Can I view my benefits if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, if you have a valid Social Security number. You do not need to be a citizen to have a Social Security account or view your benefits. You will need a valid form of ID to verify your identity during account creation, such as a passport or state ID.
Is my information safe on the Social Security website?
The Social Security website uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. However, you should never share your password with anyone, and be cautious of emails or calls claiming to be from Social Security asking for your password or personal details. Social Security will never contact you first asking for sensitive information.