You can view your Social Security statement by creating an account on ssa.gov

The Social Security Statement is a record of your earnings history and an estimate of the benefits you may receive at different ages. To view yours, you need to create a free account on the Social Security Administration's website at ssa.gov. Once you log in, you can see your statement anytime without calling or visiting an office.

The statement shows your lifetime earnings record, how much you've paid into Social Security through payroll taxes, and what your monthly benefit might be if you retire at 62, your full retirement age, or age 70. It also includes estimates for disability and survivor benefits. This information comes directly from your tax records, so it's the official version Social Security uses.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a free my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your statement anytime online.
  • The statement shows your complete earnings history and benefit estimates at different retirement ages.
  • You'll need an email address and either a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to set up an account.
  • If you cannot create an online account, you can request a paper statement by mail or phone.
  • Social Security mails statements to people who don't have online accounts, though the timing varies.

Creating a my Social Security account step by step

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" button on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You'll be asked for your email address, a password, and your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. Social Security will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and enter that code to confirm your identity.

After you verify your email, Social Security may ask you additional security questions about your personal history, such as previous addresses or loan amounts. Answer these questions based on information in your credit file. Once you pass this step, your account is active and you can log in to view your statement. The whole process usually takes less than 10 minutes.

If you have trouble creating an account online, Social Security offers other ways to verify your identity, including using a video call with a Social Security representative or uploading documents. The website will guide you through these options if the standard verification doesn't work.

What information appears on your statement

Your statement lists every year you've worked and how much you earned in Social Security wages. This is important because Social Security bases your benefit amount on your 35 highest-earning years. If you see an error — a year where you earned money but it's not listed, or an amount that looks wrong — you should report it to Social Security as soon as you can, because there are time limits for correcting old records.

The statement also shows three benefit estimates: what you'd receive if you claim at 62 (the earliest age), at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), and at 70 (the latest age to delay). These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you'll continue working until that age. The longer you wait to claim, the higher your monthly payment will be.

You'll also see estimates for disability benefits (if you became unable to work) and survivor benefits (what your family members could receive if you died). These estimates are based on your current earnings record as well.

Requesting a paper statement by mail

If you don't have internet access or prefer a paper copy, you can request a statement by mail. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a statement. They will send it to the address on file with your Social Security account. This process takes about two weeks.

You can also fill out Form SSA-7050 (Request for Social Security Statement) and mail it to Social Security. The form is available on ssa.gov. Include your name, date of birth, and mailing address. Social Security will process your request and send your statement by mail.

Automatic statements for people without online accounts

If you don't create a my Social Security account, Social Security will mail you a statement automatically. For many years, Social Security mailed statements to everyone, but now they only mail them to people age 60 and older who don't have an online account. The timing varies — you may receive one every few years rather than every year.

If you're under 60 and don't have an online account, the fastest way to see your statement is to create one. If you prefer not to go online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask Social Security to mail you a statement, though this takes longer than viewing it online.

Fixing errors on your earnings record

If your statement shows missing earnings or amounts that don't match your tax records, contact Social Security right away. You have a limited time to correct errors — generally three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year in which you earned the money. After that window closes, Social Security can still correct the record, but it becomes much harder.

Gather your tax documents (W-2 forms or self-employment tax records) that show the correct amount. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with your documents. Social Security will review your evidence and update your record if the error is confirmed. Correcting errors now prevents problems later when you claim benefits.

Understanding your full retirement age

Your full retirement age is when Social Security considers you old enough to receive your full benefit amount without any reduction. This age depends on your birth year: if you were born in 1943 or later, your full retirement age is between 66 and 67. Your statement will show your specific full retirement age.

If you claim before your full retirement age, your monthly payment is permanently reduced. If you delay claiming past your full retirement age, your payment increases by about 8 percent for each year you wait, up until age 70. Your statement shows estimates at all three ages so you can see the difference claiming early or late makes over your lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create an account every year to see my updated statement?

No. Once you create your my Social Security account, you can log in anytime to view your current statement. Social Security updates your earnings record automatically when your employer reports your wages, usually within a few months of the end of each year. You don't need to do anything to refresh it.

What if I don't remember my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the ssa.gov login page. Social Security will send a password reset link to your email address. Follow the link and create a new password. If you can't access your email, you can create a new account with a different email address or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.

Can I see my statement if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

Yes. You can create a my Social Security account if you have a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. The process is the same as for U.S. citizens. If you have questions about your specific situation, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. Your statement contains sensitive information, so Social Security requires you to verify your identity before creating an account. Use a strong password and don't share your login details. If you notice suspicious activity, contact Social Security when ready.

What if my name or Social Security number changed?

Update your information with Social Security before creating your online account. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office with proof of your identity and the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order). Once your record is updated, you can create your account using your current information.