What a Social Security Statement shows you
Your Social Security Statement is a record from the Social Security Administration that lists your earnings history and estimates what your benefits might be at different ages. You can view it anytime through your personal account on the Social Security website, called my Social Security. The statement shows your actual reported earnings year by year, which is how Social Security calculates your benefit amount.
The statement also includes estimates for retirement benefits at age 62, your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and age 70. It shows what your family members might receive if you become disabled or pass away. These are projections based on your current earnings record, not guarantees — they assume you continue working and earning at a similar level until retirement.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and identity verification to view your statement online.
- Your earnings history on the statement should match your tax records, and you can report errors to Social Security if you spot a discrepancy.
- The benefit estimates on your statement assume you keep working at your current earnings level until you claim benefits.
- You can check your statement as often as you want once your account is set up, and Social Security updates your earnings record once a year.
How to create a my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link, usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Create an account." You will need your email address, a password you create, and your Social Security number. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your financial history — things like past addresses, loan amounts, or credit accounts. This is an automated check, not a person reviewing your information.
Once you pass identity verification, your account is active. You can then sign in with your email and password anytime to view your statement. If identity verification fails, Social Security offers other ways to prove who you are, including uploading documents or scheduling a video call with an agent. The process usually takes a few minutes, but if you hit a snag, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to get help.
What information you need before you sign up
Have your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number ready. You will also need to create a password — Social Security requires at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one.
During identity verification, Social Security may ask about credit accounts, addresses, or loans from your past. You do not need to have perfect recall — if you are unsure of an answer, you can say you do not know, and Social Security will ask a different question. The system is designed to work even if your memory is fuzzy on some details.
Reading your earnings record
Once you are logged in, your statement shows a year-by-year breakdown of your reported earnings. Each row is a tax year, and the amount listed is what your employer reported to Social Security. This should match your W-2 forms or, if you are self-employed, your tax return. Social Security uses these numbers to calculate your benefit amount, so accuracy matters.
If you spot an error — a year with no earnings when you worked, or an amount that does not match your W-2 — you should report it. You can contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. Bring your W-2 or tax return as proof. Social Security has a important date for correcting old earnings records, usually three years and three months after the year in question, so do not delay if you find a mistake.
Understanding your benefit estimates
Your statement shows three retirement benefit estimates: one if you claim at 62, one at your full retirement age, and one at 70. The full retirement age depends on your birth year — for people born in 1960 or later, it is 67, but it ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your exact birth year. The amount you receive increases the longer you wait to claim, so the age 70 estimate is always higher than the age 62 estimate.
These estimates assume you continue working and earning at roughly your current level until you claim benefits. If you plan to retire early, earn much less, or earn much more, the actual amount you receive may differ. The estimates also do not account for taxes — depending on your other income, some of your benefits may be taxable. Use these numbers as a starting point, not as a final answer about what you will receive.
Family and disability benefit estimates
Your statement also shows estimates for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you become unable to work. It lists what your spouse and children might receive based on your record if you retire, become disabled, or pass away. These are rough estimates and depend on factors like your family members' ages and whether they are in school.
If you have a spouse or ex-spouse, your statement may show a spousal benefit estimate. If you have minor children, it shows what they might receive. These amounts are not separate payments — they come from your benefit amount, so claiming early reduces not just your payment but also what your family members can receive. Your statement is a good place to see these connections before you make a claiming decision.
Checking your statement regularly
Social Security updates your earnings record once a year, usually in the fall. If you worked during the year, the new earnings will appear on your statement after that update. You can check your statement as often as you want — there is no limit to how many times you view it. Some people check it yearly to make sure their earnings were reported correctly, especially if they are self-employed or have had multiple jobs.
If you lose access to your account or forget your password, you can reset it on the my Social Security login page. If you forget your email address or have trouble recovering your account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also request a paper statement by mail, though the online version is faster and always current.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot pass identity verification online?
Social Security offers other ways to verify who you are, including uploading documents like a driver's license or passport, or scheduling a video call with an agent. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person with your ID. Call 1-800-772-1213 if you need help with any of these options.
Can I see my statement if I have never worked?
You can create a my Social Security account and view your statement, but it will show zero earnings. If you are not yet working, your statement will be blank until you have reported earnings. Once you start working, your earnings will appear on your next annual update.
Is my information safe on the Social Security website?
Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to online banking. Your password is yours alone — Social Security employees will never ask for it. If you are concerned about security, use a strong password and do not share your login with anyone.
What if my earnings record shows a year I did not work?
This usually means your employer did not report your earnings to Social Security, or they reported it under a different name or Social Security number. Contact your employer to confirm they sent in the correct information. If they did, contact Social Security with proof of your earnings, like a W-2 or pay stub.
Can I change my benefit estimate by working longer?
Yes. Your estimate is based on your current earnings record. If you work more years or earn more, your next annual statement will show a higher estimate. The longer you work, the higher your eventual benefit tends to be, because Social Security drops your lowest-earning years from the calculation.