Where to check your Social Security benefits
You can see your Social Security benefits information through your my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration website, or by calling Social Security directly. The online account shows your earnings history, estimated retirement benefits at different ages, and your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments. A phone call works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
To create a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will need an email address, a Social Security number, and answers to identity verification questions. The account takes a few minutes to set up and is free.
If you do not want to create an account online, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Wait times are shortest early in the morning on weekdays. A representative can look up your information over the phone and mail you a paper statement if you request one.
Key Takeaways
- Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record, estimated benefits at different retirement ages, and your current payment amount if you are already receiving benefits.
- You can create a free account at ssa.gov in a few minutes using your email, Social Security number, and answers to identity questions.
- If you do not have internet access or prefer phone contact, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative who can look up your information.
- Your earnings history on the statement should be checked for errors, because mistakes there can lower your benefit amount.
What information appears in your my Social Security account
Your account displays your complete earnings history year by year, going back to when you first started working. This is the record Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. Below the earnings history, you will see three estimated benefit amounts: what you would receive if you claim at age 62, at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically between 66 and 67), and at age 70.
If you are already receiving benefits, your account also shows your current monthly payment amount, your payment schedule, and a record of payments you have received. You can see the date your next payment will arrive and the amount. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to retirement or disability benefits, that information appears separately.
The account also displays any work history that Social Security has on file, which matters if you are receiving disability or survivor benefits and working part-time. Social Security tracks your earnings to make sure you are not exceeding the work limits that could affect your payments.
Checking for errors in your earnings record
Mistakes in your earnings history can reduce your benefit amount, so it is worth reviewing the record carefully. Common errors include wages that were reported under the wrong Social Security number, wages that were not reported at all, or wages reported in the wrong year. If you worked under a different name earlier in your life, those earnings might not match your current name in the system.
Compare your my Social Security earnings record to your own tax returns or pay stubs from each year. If you spot a discrepancy, contact Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred — after that window, the record generally cannot be corrected. You will need to provide documents like W-2 forms, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing the correct amount.
If you do not have the original documents, a letter from your former employer on company letterhead stating the correct wages can work. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if the evidence supports the claim. This process can take several months, so report errors as soon as you find them.
Understanding your estimated benefit amounts
The three estimates shown in your account assume you will live to an average age and that your earnings will stay roughly the same until you claim. The estimate for age 62 is the smallest monthly amount because you are claiming early and will receive payments for more years. The estimate at your full retirement age is higher because you are waiting longer. The estimate at age 70 is the highest because you have delayed claiming and receive a bonus for waiting.
These are estimates only, not guarantees. Your actual benefit could be higher or lower depending on whether you continue working, whether you live longer or shorter than average, and whether Congress changes the benefit formula. The estimates also do not account for taxes you may owe on your benefits or for any reductions if you claim before full retirement age and continue working.
Use these estimates to think through when you want to claim. If you need the money now, claiming at 62 makes sense even though the monthly amount is smaller. If you can wait and expect to live into your 80s, waiting until 70 means a much larger monthly check for the rest of your life.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the my Social Security login page. Social Security will send you a reset link to your email address. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, you will need to contact Social Security by phone or in person to update your email or create a new account.
If you have trouble verifying your identity when creating an account — for example, if you have a very common name or have moved frequently — Social Security may ask you to verify in person at a local office. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document showing your number.
If you are over 75 or have a disability that makes online access difficult, you can request that Social Security mail you a paper statement instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a "Social Security Statement" to be mailed to your address.
How often to check your benefits information
Social Security updates your earnings record once a year, usually in the fall, after employers have reported the previous year's wages. If you are working, check your account each year after the update to make sure all your earnings were recorded correctly. If you are already receiving benefits, check your account at least once a year to confirm your payment amount has not changed unexpectedly and to watch for signs of fraud or identity theft.
If you notice a payment that is smaller than usual or a payment you did not expect, contact Social Security right away. Fraudsters sometimes try to redirect benefits to a different bank account, and catching this quickly can prevent you from losing money. Social Security can reverse unauthorized changes to your account if you report them within a certain timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see my benefits information without creating a my Social Security account?
Yes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative who will look up your information and answer questions about your benefits. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Creating an account is faster if you have internet access and want to check information anytime, but it is not required.
What if my estimated benefit amount seems too low?
Check your earnings history for missing or incorrect years. If you took time off work, were self-employed, or worked for a government employer, those years might not be in the system correctly. You can also contact Social Security to discuss your specific situation — some people have credits that are not showing up, or they may be may have access to to benefits based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's record.
Is my my Social Security account find?
Your account is protected by a password and identity verification, but like any online account, it is safer if you use a strong password and do not share your login information. Social Security does not ask for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam.
Can I check my benefits if I am not yet receiving them?
Yes. Your my Social Security account shows your earnings history and estimated benefits even if you have not claimed yet. This lets you see what you might receive at different ages and plan when to claim. You do not have to be receiving benefits to create an account or check your information.
What if I worked in another country?
Social Security has agreements with some countries that allow work credits earned there to count toward your U.S. benefits. Your earnings history in your account will show only U.S. work, but you can contact Social Security to ask whether your foreign work credits can be included. Bring documentation of your work and earnings from that country.