Where to find your Social Security benefits information

You can see your Social Security benefits through your personal account on the Social Security Administration website, called my Social Security. This is the official, free way to view your earnings record, estimated benefits, and payment history all in one place. You do not need to call or visit an office — you can log in from home on a computer, tablet, or phone.

To access your account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one. The process takes a few minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and some personal information to verify your identity.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is the official Social Security Administration website where you can view your benefits statement, earnings history, and payment details for free.
  • You need to create a my Social Security account with your Social Security number and email address, and the site will verify your identity before you can access your information.
  • Your benefits statement shows your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current earnings record.
  • You can also request a paper statement by mail or call the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 if you prefer not to use the website.
  • Your earnings record on the statement shows what Social Security has on file about your work history, and you should review it for errors.

Creating your my Social Security account

Start by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking the button to create a new account. You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing information from your credit history — this is to make sure you are really you and not someone trying to access your account.

Once you pass the identity check, you will create a username and password. Write these down somewhere safe. After your account is set up, you can log in anytime to view your information. If you have trouble with the identity verification step, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you set up your account over the phone.

What your benefits statement shows

Your benefits statement displays three main pieces of information. First, it shows your earnings record — a year-by-year breakdown of the wages Social Security has on file for you. This is important to check because your benefits are calculated based on this record. If you see missing years or incorrect amounts, you should report them to Social Security.

Second, the statement shows your estimated retirement benefit — the monthly amount you would receive if you start collecting at your full retirement age. It also shows what you would receive if you started earlier (at 62) or delayed until age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until your full retirement age.

Third, the statement includes your estimated disability and survivor benefits. These show what your family members could receive if you became disabled or passed away. Survivor benefits go to your spouse, children, and dependent parents depending on their age and relationship to you.

Reviewing your earnings record for mistakes

Your earnings record is the foundation of your benefits calculation, so it is worth checking for errors. Look at each year listed and compare it to your own records — old tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs. Social Security should have recorded the wages you earned and the taxes you paid into the system.

If you spot a mistake — a missing year, an amount that looks too low, or a year that should not be there — you can report it through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide proof of the correct amount, such as a W-2 or tax return. Social Security has a time limit for correcting old records, so report errors as soon as you notice them.

Understanding your estimated benefit amounts

The benefit amounts shown on your statement are estimates, not guarantees. They assume you will continue working and earning until your full retirement age, and they are based on current Social Security law. If you stop working, earn significantly less, or if Congress changes the law, your actual benefit could be different.

The statement shows three different scenarios: your benefit at age 62 (the earliest you can claim), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year, typically between 66 and 67), and at age 70 (the latest you should wait). The longer you wait to claim, the larger your monthly payment will be. These estimates help you plan when to start collecting.

Getting a paper statement by mail

If you do not want to create an online account, you can request a paper statement through the mail. Visit ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/statement.html and fill out the form, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a statement to be mailed to you. Social Security will send it to the address on file, usually within two weeks.

A paper statement contains the same information as your online account — your earnings record and estimated benefits. However, the online version updates more frequently and lets you check your information anytime without waiting for the mail.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page by clicking "Forgot username or password?" and following the prompts. If you have trouble verifying your identity online, Social Security offers other ways to prove who you are, including in-person visits to a local Social Security office.

You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. They can answer questions about your benefits, help you understand your statement, or information with account access issues. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my benefits statement update?

Your online my Social Security account updates throughout the year as Social Security receives new earnings information from employers. Your earnings record typically shows wages from the previous year. If you request a paper statement by mail, it reflects the information Social Security has at the time it is printed.

Can I see my benefits statement if I am already collecting Social Security?

Yes. If you are already receiving benefits, your my Social Security account shows your current payment amount, payment history, and tax information. You can also see what your benefits would have been if you had claimed at a different age, which can help you understand your decision.

What if my earnings record shows zero income for years I know I worked?

Missing or incorrect earnings can happen if your employer did not report your wages correctly or if the name on your Social Security record does not match your tax records. Contact Social Security with proof of your earnings — a W-2, tax return, or pay stub — and they can investigate and correct the record if warranted.

Is my information safe on my Social Security account?

The my Social Security website uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. You should still use a strong, unique password and never share your login details. If you see suspicious activity on your account, contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213.

Can I check my benefits statement on a mobile phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You log in the same way as on a computer, and you can view your earnings record and benefit estimates from any device with internet access.