Understanding Your Social Security Statement
Your Social Security Statement shows your earnings history and estimated benefits. Learn how to access it, what each section means and why checking it matters.
The short version
- Your Statement shows estimated retirement, disability and survivor benefits plus your earnings history.
- Errors in your earnings record can reduce your benefits, so review it regularly.
- The easiest way to see your Statement is through a my Social Security account.
In this guide
Your Social Security Statement is one of the most useful documents for retirement planning. It shows estimates of the benefits you may receive and a record of the earnings Social Security has on file for you. Since your benefits are calculated from those earnings, checking your Statement regularly helps make sure everything is accurate.
How to get your Statement
The easiest way is to create a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov. You can view and download your Statement anytime.
If you do not have an online account and are not yet receiving benefits, Social Security mails paper Statements to people age 60 and older about three months before their birthday.
What your Statement shows
Estimated retirement benefits. Your Statement shows estimates of your monthly benefit at different claiming ages, typically from 62 to 70. These help you see how timing affects the amount.
Estimated disability benefits. If you are still working and become disabled before full retirement age, this shows what you might receive.
Estimated survivor benefits. This shows what your eligible family members might receive if you die.
Medicare information. Whether you have earned enough credits to qualify for premium-free Part A.
Earnings record. A year-by-year history of the earnings reported to Social Security, along with the Social Security and Medicare taxes paid.
Understand the estimates
The estimates assume you will continue earning at about your current level until you claim. If your earnings change, retire early or stop working, your actual benefit may be different. Estimates are in today's dollars and do not include future cost-of-living adjustments.
Check your earnings record carefully
Errors can happen, such as an employer reporting wages under an incorrect Social Security number, a name change not being recorded, or self-employment income not being reported properly. Because benefits are based on your highest 35 years of earnings, a missing year could lower your benefit.
Compare the earnings on your Statement with your own records, such as:
- W-2 forms
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
Pay special attention to years when you changed jobs, changed your name, worked for multiple employers or were self-employed.
How to correct an error
If you find a mistake:
- Gather proof of your earnings for that year, such as W-2s, tax returns or pay stubs.
- Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.
- Ask how to request a correction.
There are time limits for correcting earnings records, though exceptions exist. It is best to review your record regularly so you can address errors early.
Other things you can do with a my Social Security account
- Get a replacement Social Security card in many states
- Check application status
- If you receive benefits, change your address and direct deposit information, get a benefit verification letter, and download your SSA-1099 tax form
Keep your account secure
- Use a strong, unique password.
- Set up two-step verification.
- Never share your login information.
- Be wary of emails or texts asking you to sign in through a link. Go directly to ssa.gov instead.
Creating an account also helps protect you, since it makes it harder for someone else to open an account in your name.
Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration.
