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. This is the fastest way to see your current benefit amount, your projected retirement benefit at different ages, and your complete earnings history. You create a free account using your email address and Social Security number.

If you do not want to create an online account, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with a representative. They can tell you your current benefit amount and answer questions about your record. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. 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 or a document showing your number.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is the official online portal where you can view your benefits, projected retirement amount, and earnings record without calling or visiting an office.
  • You create a free account using your email and Social Security number, and you can check your information anytime once you are logged in.
  • Your earnings record shows every year you paid Social Security taxes, which determines how much your benefit will be when you claim.
  • You should review your record every few years to catch errors in reported earnings, since mistakes can lower your benefit amount.
  • If you do not use the internet, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to get the same information.

How to create a my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button to create an account. You will need your email address, a password, and your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration will ask you security questions to verify your identity — these are usually based on information from your credit file, such as previous addresses or loan amounts.

If you cannot answer the security questions because you do not have a credit history or the questions do not match your records, you can verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. An employee will create your account for you on the spot.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to check your information. You do not need to call or visit an office again unless you want to discuss something specific with a representative.

What your earnings record shows

Your earnings record lists every year you paid Social Security taxes and how much you earned that year. The Social Security Administration uses this record to calculate your benefit amount — they take your 35 highest-earning years and average them to determine what you will receive at full retirement age.

Check your record for errors, especially if you changed jobs frequently, worked under a different name, or had income that was not reported correctly. If you see a year with missing earnings or an amount that looks wrong, you can file a correction. You will need your W-2 form or tax return from that year as proof. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the correction process.

Errors in your earnings record can lower your benefit by hundreds of dollars per month, so it is worth spending time to review it. The Social Security Administration recommends checking your record every few years, or at least once before you claim benefits.

Understanding your projected benefit amounts

My Social Security shows you three different benefit amounts: what you would receive if you claim at age 62 (the earliest age), what you would receive at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), and what you would receive if you delay claiming until age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you will continue working and earning until you claim.

The amount you receive at age 62 is permanently lower than the amount at full retirement age — typically 30 percent less. If you wait until age 70, your benefit increases by about 8 percent for each year you delay past full retirement age. These numbers help you decide when to claim, though your personal situation (health, family history, other income) should guide that choice.

Keep in mind that these are projections, not guarantees. Your actual benefit may be different if your earnings change, if you work longer or shorter than expected, or if Social Security rules change. The estimates are meant to give you a realistic picture of what to plan for.

Correcting errors on your record

If you find an error on your earnings record, contact the Social Security Administration as soon as you notice it. The longer an error sits, the harder it can be to fix, especially if the year in question is more than three years old.

Gather documents that show the correct information: your W-2 form, your tax return, a pay stub, or a letter from your employer showing what you earned that year. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with these documents. A representative will file a correction request on your behalf.

The Social Security Administration will contact your former employer to verify the correct amount. This process usually takes a few weeks to a few months. Once the correction is made, your projected benefit will update automatically in my Social Security.

What to do if you cannot access my Social Security online

If you have trouble creating an account or logging in, the Social Security Administration offers other ways to get your information. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will read your earnings record and benefit amounts over the phone. You can also request a printed copy of your Social Security Statement by mail — it takes about two weeks to arrive.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone in person, visit your local Social Security office. Bring your photo ID and Social Security card. An employee can print your earnings record and answer questions about your benefits on the spot. No appointment is needed, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my Social Security record?

The Social Security Administration recommends reviewing your earnings record every few years to catch errors early. At minimum, check it once before you claim benefits so you have time to correct any mistakes. If you change jobs frequently or have self-employment income, check it annually.

Can I check someone else's Social Security benefits?

No. Only the person whose Social Security number is on the account can log in and view that record. If you are managing benefits for a family member who cannot access the account themselves, contact your local Social Security office to discuss your options.

What if my projected benefit amount seems too low?

Review your earnings record to see if all your years of work are listed correctly. Missing years or underreported earnings will lower your benefit. If you find errors, file a correction. If your record looks correct but the amount still seems low, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can explain how your benefit was calculated.

Do I need to create a my Social Security account to claim benefits?

No. You can claim benefits by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office. However, having an account makes it easier to track your process status and manage your benefits once you start receiving them.