Where to check your Social Security information online
You can view your Social Security account, earnings record, and estimated benefits through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to create an account or sign in if you already have one.
To create an account, you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove your identity — either a U.S. driver's license or state ID number, or a mobile phone number linked to your name in phone company records. The identity verification happens right on the website and takes a few minutes.
Once you are signed in, you can see your complete earnings history, check how much you have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes, view your estimated retirement benefit amount, and see estimates for disability or survivor benefits if you became unable to work.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number and a government ID or phone number to verify your identity.
- Your earnings record shows every year you paid into Social Security and how much you earned, which directly affects your future benefit amount.
- The benefit estimates shown are based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until your full retirement age.
- If you spot an error in your earnings record, you must report it to Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred.
- You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a paper statement or ask questions about your account.
What your earnings record shows and why it matters
Your earnings record is a year-by-year list of how much you earned and how much you paid in Social Security taxes. Social Security uses this record to calculate your retirement benefit amount — the higher your earnings history, the higher your monthly payment will be when you claim.
The record covers your entire working life, but Social Security counts only your 35 highest-earning years to calculate your retirement benefit. If you have fewer than 35 years of earnings, zeros are counted for the missing years, which lowers your benefit amount.
Errors in your earnings record are common and can reduce your benefit by hundreds of dollars per month. Mistakes happen when employers report your earnings under the wrong Social Security number, spell your name differently than it appears on your Social Security card, or fail to report earnings at all. Checking your record regularly — at least once every few years — helps you catch these errors early.
How to report an error in your earnings record
If you find an error, you have a limited window to report it: three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year in which the error occurred. For example, if your 2023 earnings were reported incorrectly, you must report it by April 15, 2027.
To report an error, gather documents that show what you actually earned that year — W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax returns are the strongest proof. Then contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office in person, or mail a letter with your documents to the address shown on the Social Security website.
Social Security will investigate your claim and contact your employer to verify the correct amount. The process usually takes several weeks to a few months. Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you reported the error.
Understanding your benefit estimates
My Social Security shows three different benefit estimates: your estimated retirement benefit at your full retirement age, your estimated benefit if you claim at 62 (the earliest age), and your estimated benefit if you delay until 70. These estimates assume you continue working and earning until the age shown.
The estimates are based on your current earnings record and Social Security's assumptions about future wage growth. They are not may provide amounts — your actual benefit will depend on when you claim, whether you continue working, and any changes to Social Security law.
If you are not yet 61, my Social Security also shows an estimate of what your family could receive if you became unable to work or died. This includes benefits for your spouse and children under certain conditions.
What to do if you cannot create an account online
If you cannot verify your identity online — for example, if you do not have a driver's license or the phone number on file with your phone company does not match your name — you can still view your information by other methods.
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a paper statement to be mailed to you. This takes about two weeks. You can also visit a Social Security office in person with your ID to ask staff to print your earnings record and benefit estimates for you.
If you are outside the United States, you may not be able to use my Social Security. Call the Social Security office that handles international cases at 1-410-965-7307 to request your information by mail.
Protecting your Social Security account
Your my Social Security account is protected by the same security standards as online banking. Use a strong, unique password — one you do not use on any other website. If you set up two-factor authentication (an extra security step that sends a code to your phone or email), your account becomes even harder for someone else to access.
Never share your password, and be cautious of emails or calls claiming to be from Social Security asking you to verify your account. Social Security will never contact you by email or phone asking for your password or personal information. If you receive such a message, it is a scam — do not respond.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my Social Security earnings record?
Social Security recommends checking your record at least once every three years. If you work in multiple jobs or are self-employed, checking annually is a good idea because errors are more likely. The sooner you catch a mistake, the more time you have to report it within the three-year window.
What if my name has changed since I started working?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, you must update it with Social Security before your earnings can be properly credited. Visit your local Social Security office with your ID and a document showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order). Once your name is updated, Social Security will match your old earnings to your new name.
Can I check someone else's Social Security information?
No. Only the person whose Social Security number it is can sign into my Social Security and view that account. If you are a representative payee (managing benefits for someone else) or a legal guardian, you may be able to view their information — contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your specific situation.
What if I have not worked long enough to have 35 years of earnings?
Social Security will still calculate your retirement benefit, but it will include zeros for the years you did not work. The more years with zero earnings, the lower your average will be. If you continue working, those new earnings may replace some of the zero years and increase your benefit amount.
Does checking my account affect my benefits?
No. Viewing your my Social Security account does not change anything about your benefits or your account status. You can check as often as you want without any effect on your may be able to access or payment amount.