You can view your Social Security statement by creating an account on ssa.gov
Your Social Security statement shows your earnings history and estimates what you might receive at different retirement ages. To see it, you need to create a free account on the official Social Security website at ssa.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires basic personal information — your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and an email address.
Once your account is set up, you can view your statement anytime, read it as a PDF, and check it whenever your circumstances change. You do not need to call anyone or visit an office to see your statement online.
Key Takeaways
- Create your account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address.
- You will need to verify your identity during signup, usually by answering questions about your credit history or uploading a photo ID.
- Once logged in, your statement appears under the "Earnings Record" tab and shows your lifetime earnings and estimated benefits.
- You can read your statement as a PDF and check it as often as you want — there is no limit to how many times you view it.
- If you cannot create an account online, you can request a paper statement by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Step-by-step: Creating your ssa.gov account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will be asked for your email address, which becomes your username. Choose a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.
Next, enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The website will ask you to verify your identity. Most people answer security questions about their credit history — for example, "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2015?" If you do not have credit history or the questions do not match your records, you can upload a photo ID instead (a driver's license or passport works).
After verification, your account is active. Log in with your email and password, and your statement will be ready to view under the "Earnings Record" section.
What information appears on your statement
Your statement lists every year you worked and how much you earned in Social Security wages. It shows whether you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. If you see a year with zero earnings that you believe is wrong, that is worth investigating — it could mean your employer reported your wages incorrectly, or your name or Social Security number was misspelled on a tax form.
The statement also shows three estimates: what you would receive if you claim at age 62, at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically 66 to 67), and at age 70. These are projections based on your current earnings record and assume you keep working until that age. The amounts will change if you earn more or less in future years.
Fixing errors on your earnings record
If you spot an error — a missing year, an amount that looks too low, or earnings credited to the wrong person — contact Social Security as soon as you notice it. The sooner you report it, the easier it is to fix. You will need your W-2 or tax return from that year as proof of what you actually earned.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers) and explain which year is wrong. They will ask you to mail or bring in a copy of your W-2 or tax return. Processing a correction usually takes a few weeks. Once it is corrected, your benefit estimates will update automatically.
If you cannot create an account online
Some people have trouble verifying their identity online — this happens most often if you have no credit history, a very new credit file, or if your information does not match what the verification service has on record. If the online verification fails after a few attempts, you have other options.
You can request a paper statement by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking them to mail it to you. Social Security will send it within two weeks. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and ask to see your statement — staff can print it for you on the spot. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.
How often to check your statement
Social Security recommends reviewing your statement once a year, ideally before you file your taxes. This gives you time to spot errors while your tax documents are fresh and easier to locate. If you find a mistake, you can report it right away.
You should also check your statement if you change jobs, take time off work, or have a major life change — marriage, divorce, or a name change — because these can affect your earnings record or your benefit estimates. There is no penalty for checking your statement as often as you want.
Understanding your full retirement age
Your full retirement age is when Social Security considers you old enough to receive your full benefit amount. It is not the same for everyone — it depends on the year you were born. If you were born in 1943 or earlier, your full retirement age is 65. If you were born between 1943 and 1954, it is between 66 and 66 months. If you were born in 1960 or later, it is 67.
You can claim before your full retirement age (as early as 62), but your monthly payment will be smaller. You can also wait until age 70, and your monthly payment will be larger. Your statement shows all three estimates so you can see the difference. The choice depends on your health, how long you expect to live, and whether you need the money now or can wait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot my password?
Click "Forgot password?" on the ssa.gov login page. You will be asked to enter your email address, and Social Security will send you a link to reset it. Check your email (including spam folders) within a few minutes. If you do not receive the email, wait 24 hours and try again, or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
Can I view my statement on my phone?
Yes. The ssa.gov website works on phones and tablets. Log in the same way you would on a computer, and your statement will display on your screen. You can also read it as a PDF and save it to your phone for offline viewing.
Is my information safe on ssa.gov?
The Social Security website uses encryption and security measures to protect your data. Your account is only accessible with your email and password. Do not share your login information with anyone, and do not use a public computer to access your account if you can avoid it.
Why does my statement show zero earnings for a year I worked?
This usually means your employer did not report your wages to Social Security, reported them under a different name or Social Security number, or you worked in a job not covered by Social Security (some government jobs and railroad work have different systems). Check your W-2 or tax return from that year and call Social Security to report the discrepancy.
Can I print my statement?
Yes. read the PDF version from your account and print it. You can also take a screenshot on your phone or tablet. Keep a copy for your records — it is useful when you file taxes or when you are ready to claim benefits.