Where to check your Social Security benefits
You can view your Social Security benefits and earnings record through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration. You create a username and password, sign in, and see your estimated benefits, your actual earnings history, and your payment status all in one place. This is the fastest and most direct way to check what you have earned and what you are may have access to to receive.
You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative who will read your information over the phone. This takes longer than checking online but does not require a computer or internet connection. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.
A third option is to visit a Social Security office in person. You can find the office nearest you on the Social Security Administration website by entering your zip code. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Wait times vary by location and time of day, so calling ahead to ask about current wait times is common practice.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account online to see your earnings record, estimated benefits, and current payment status without waiting on hold.
- Your earnings record shows every year you worked and how much you earned, which directly affects your benefit amount.
- You can check your record anytime once you have an account, and the information updates once per year in September or October.
- If you spot an error in your earnings record, you must report it to Social Security with proof (pay stubs, tax returns, W-2 forms) so they can correct it before you claim benefits.
Setting up a my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm you own that phone number or email.
Next, you answer security questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or family members' names. These questions are drawn from your credit file and other records Social Security has access to. Answer them exactly as they appear in your records, not as you might remember them.
Once you pass verification, your account is active. You can sign in when ready and start viewing your information. If you forget your password later, you can reset it using your email address or phone number.
What information you will see in your account
Your earnings record shows every year you worked and the wages Social Security has on file for that year. This record determines how much your monthly benefit will be. If you worked under a different name or Social Security number at any point, those earnings might not appear here — you would need to contact Social Security to have them added.
Your estimated benefit shows what you could receive per month if you claim at your full retirement age. The amount changes based on when you were born. The estimate also shows what you would receive if you claimed at age 62 (the earliest age) or if you waited until age 70 (the latest age). These numbers are based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until your full retirement age.
Your payment status tells you whether you are currently receiving benefits and, if so, how much and when your next payment arrives. If you are not yet receiving benefits, this section will be blank until you claim.
Understanding your earnings record and spotting errors
Social Security uses your earnings record to calculate your benefit. The higher your lifetime earnings, the higher your monthly payment. Errors in your record — a missing year, a year with too-low earnings, or earnings credited to the wrong person — can reduce your benefit by hundreds of dollars per month.
Check each year listed against your own records. If you have pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns from those years, compare the amounts. If you spot a discrepancy, gather your proof (the actual document showing what you earned) and contact Social Security. You can report an error by phone at 1-800-772-1213, by mail, or in person at your local office.
Social Security has a time limit for correcting errors. If you find a mistake more than three years, three months, and 15 days after the year in question, Social Security may not be able to correct it. This is why checking your record years before you plan to claim is important — it gives you time to fix problems.
When your earnings record updates
Social Security updates your earnings record once per year, usually in September or October. The update includes wages you earned in the previous year. For example, if you worked in 2023, that income typically appears in your record in September or October 2024.
If you are self-employed, your earnings appear after you file your tax return. If you filed an extension, your earnings may not show up until later in the year.
If you recently changed jobs or received a large bonus, do not be alarmed if it does not appear when ready. Check again in a few weeks. If it still has not appeared by November, contact Social Security.
What to do if you cannot create an account online
If you cannot pass the security questions — because you have limited credit history, you are new to the country, or the information in your file is outdated — you have two other routes. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to create an account for you over the phone. They will verify your identity through questions and then set up your account so you can sign in online.
You can also visit a Social Security office in person with your photo ID and Social Security card. A representative there can create your account and help you view your information on a computer at the office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my Social Security record?
Check it at least once per year, ideally in November or December after the annual update. If you are within five years of claiming benefits, check it twice per year so you have time to fix any errors before you explore. Once you start receiving benefits, you can check less frequently unless you suspect a problem.
What if my earnings record shows I worked but I do not remember that job?
This sometimes happens if you worked under a different name, if your employer reported your earnings under a slightly different spelling of your name, or if someone else's earnings were accidentally credited to your number. Contact Social Security with details about the year and amount in question. They can investigate whether the earnings belong to you or need to be reassigned.
Can I check someone else's Social Security record?
No. You can only view your own record through my Social Security. If you are a representative payee (managing benefits for a minor or someone unable to manage their own benefits), you can view their record, but you must have legal authority and a separate account set up for that purpose.
What if I see a payment I do not recognize in my payment status?
Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. Fraudulent payments are rare, but if your account has been compromised or if there is an error, Social Security needs to know right away. Have your account information and recent payment details ready when you call.
Does checking my record affect when I can claim benefits?
No. Viewing your record through my Social Security does not start your benefits or change your claim date in any way. You can check as often as you want without any effect on your benefits.