What the Social Security Statement shows you
Your Social Security Statement is a record from the Social Security Administration that shows your earnings history and estimates what you might receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. You can view it anytime through your personal account on the Social Security website — you do not have to wait for it to arrive in the mail.
The statement lists your reported earnings year by year, going back to when you started working. It also shows how much you have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. Most importantly, it gives you three different benefit estimates: what you would receive if you claim at age 62, at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year), or at age 70.
The statement also tells you how much your family members might receive if you became disabled or died, based on your current earnings record. This is useful information to have if you are thinking about your financial future or checking whether your work history is recorded correctly.
Key Takeaways
- You create a free account on ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and identity verification to access your statement anytime.
- Your earnings history on the statement should match your actual work record, and you can report errors to Social Security if something is missing or wrong.
- The benefit estimates show three different amounts based on when you claim — age 62, your full retirement age, or age 70 — so you can see how waiting affects your payment.
- You can read or print your statement directly from your account, and you do not need to contact Social Security by phone or mail to get one.
Creating your Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will need your email address, a password, and your Social Security number. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit accounts you have held.
If you already have a login.gov account (used for other federal websites), you can use that to sign in instead of creating a new Social Security account. This can be faster if you have already gone through identity verification elsewhere.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can log in anytime to view your statement. Social Security does not charge for this service.
Finding and reading your statement
After you log in, look for a section labeled "Benefit Estimates" or "Your Statement." The page will show your estimated monthly benefit amounts at different claiming ages. Below that, you will see a table of your annual earnings history, starting from the earliest year you worked.
Each row shows the year, your reported earnings for that year, and how much you paid in Social Security tax. If you see a year with zero earnings that should have income, or if the amount looks wrong, make a note of it — you may need to report it to Social Security.
The statement also includes a section on family benefits. This shows rough estimates of what your spouse, children, or ex-spouse might receive if you became disabled or passed away. These are estimates only and will change as your earnings record changes.
Checking your earnings history for errors
Your earnings history is the foundation of your benefit amount. If your employer did not report your wages correctly, or if your name was spelled differently when you worked, Social Security might not have credited you for that year. Checking your statement regularly helps you catch these problems early.
Look at each year and ask yourself: Did I work that year? Does the amount match what you remember earning or what you see on old tax returns? If you spot a mistake, you have a limited time to report it — Social Security generally requires you to report earnings errors within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year in question.
To report an error, contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit a local Social Security office, or use the contact form on ssa.gov. Have your tax return or W-2 form from that year ready to show as proof.
Understanding the three benefit estimates
Your statement shows three different monthly amounts. The first is what you would receive if you claim at age 62 — this is the earliest you can claim, but the amount is smaller because you will receive payments for longer. The second estimate is for your full retirement age, which is between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year. The third is for age 70, which is the largest monthly amount because you waited the longest to claim.
These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you will not earn significantly more before you claim. If you continue working and earning, your benefit amount may go up. The estimates also assume you live to an average age — they do not account for your individual health or family history.
The difference between claiming at 62 and claiming at 70 can be substantial — sometimes 70 to 80 percent more per month. This is why many people find it useful to see all three numbers side by side when thinking about when to claim.
Downloading and saving your statement
Most Social Security accounts let you read your statement as a PDF file. Look for a "read" or "Print" button on the statement page. Saving a copy to your computer or printing it out is a good idea — you may need it for financial planning, a loan process, or to show a financial advisor.
You can also take a screenshot of the page if you prefer. Keep in mind that your statement updates once a year, usually in September or October, so an old printed copy will not reflect your most recent earnings.
What to do if you cannot log in
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page. Social Security will send you a reset link to your email. If you forget your username or email, you can use the "Forgot username?" option instead.
If you cannot verify your identity during account setup, Social Security may ask you to visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify in person. This sometimes happens if you have a common name, a recent address change, or limited credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does my statement update?
Social Security updates your earnings record once a year, usually in September or October. Your statement will reflect your most recent year of earnings at that time. If you recently changed jobs or had a significant earnings change, you may not see it reflected until the next annual update.
Can I see my statement if I have never worked?
You can create an account and view a statement, but it will show zero or very low earnings. You must have earned income and paid Social Security taxes to have a benefit estimate. If you are a non-working spouse or dependent, you may be may have access to to benefits based on someone else's record, but you would need to contact Social Security directly to learn about that.
Is my information safe on ssa.gov?
The Social Security website uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. However, you should never share your login credentials with anyone, and be cautious of emails claiming to be from Social Security asking you to verify your account — Social Security does not contact people by email asking for personal information.
What if my name has changed since I started working?
If you changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, you should report it to Social Security so your earnings are credited correctly. Contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 with your new name and the date of the change. Bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Can I see what my family members would receive?
Your statement shows estimates for your family members' benefits, but they cannot see those estimates themselves without contacting Social Security. If your spouse or children want their own detailed information, they can create their own accounts on ssa.gov or contact Social Security directly.