Learn About Checking Your Social Security Payments

Understanding Your Social Security Statement

Your Social Security Statement is a document that shows your earnings history and estimates of benefits you may receive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends this statement to people age 60 and older who are not yet receiving benefits. You can also view your statement anytime by creating an account at ssa.gov.

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The statement includes several key pieces of information. It shows your total earnings covered by Social Security over your lifetime. This is important because your benefit amount is calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years. The statement also displays your current work credits. You earn one credit for each $1,730 in earnings in 2023 (this amount changes annually). Most people need 40 credits total to receive retirement benefits, which typically means working for about 10 years.

Your statement provides estimates for three different scenarios: benefits at age 62 (early retirement), at your full retirement age (between 66 and 67 for most people born after 1954), and at age 70 (delayed retirement). These estimates show monthly payment amounts based on current law and your earnings record. For example, the average Social Security retirement benefit in 2024 is approximately $1,907 per month, but individual amounts vary significantly based on work history.

The statement also notes if you are on track to have enough credits for retirement benefits. It explains what family members might be able to receive based on your record, including spouses and children. Understanding this information helps you plan for retirement and ensures your earnings record is accurate.

Practical takeaway: Review your Social Security Statement at least once every three years to check that your earnings are recorded correctly and to understand what benefits you may receive at different retirement ages.

How to Access Your Social Security Account Online

Creating a my Social Security account on ssa.gov is the primary way to view your information anytime without waiting for mailed statements. The process involves going to ssa.gov/myaccount and selecting "Create an account." You will need an email address and a way to verify your identity.

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The verification process uses information from your background to confirm who you are. The SSA may ask questions like previous addresses, loan information, or credit card details. This verification takes just a few minutes. Once verified, you can set up a username and password. It is recommended to use a strong password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

After logging in, you can view several documents and pieces of information. Your earnings record shows how much you earned each year and how much Social Security tax was taken out. You can see your work credits and what age you can receive full retirement benefits. The account also shows benefit estimates and allows you to review information about your family members who might receive benefits on your record.

If you have already received a Social Security Statement by mail, you can use the account number from that statement to set up your online account faster. Many people find that checking their account online is more convenient than waiting for annual mailed statements, which typically arrive in the month of your birthday.

The SSA takes security seriously. The website uses encryption to protect your personal information. However, you should never share your password or login information with anyone. If you suspect someone has accessed your account, you can change your password immediately and contact the SSA.

Practical takeaway: Set up a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your earnings record and benefit estimates whenever you want, rather than waiting for mailed statements.

Reviewing Your Earnings Record for Accuracy

Your Social Security benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years of work. If errors exist in your earnings record, your benefit could be lower than it should be. Checking your record regularly gives you the opportunity to catch and correct mistakes before you start receiving benefits.

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When you view your earnings record through your my Social Security account or on your mailed statement, you will see a year-by-year breakdown of reported earnings. Compare this information to your own tax records, W-2 forms, or pay stubs. Pay special attention to years when you had significant income changes, started or ended jobs, or had gaps in employment.

Common errors include earnings reported under the wrong Social Security number (sometimes due to name changes after marriage), earnings that were never reported, or earnings reported in the wrong year. For example, if you changed your last name but your employer reported earnings under your previous name and Social Security number, that income might not show up on your record correctly.

If you find an error, contact the SSA as soon as possible. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Bring documentation like W-2 forms, tax returns, or pay stubs to support your claim. The SSA has a limited time frame to correct errors, and corrections made before you start receiving benefits are much simpler than corrections made after benefits begin.

Self-employed individuals should pay special attention to their records. If you had a business, make sure your net business income appears correctly each year. This income should match what you reported on your federal tax returns.

Practical takeaway: Compare your Social Security earnings record to your tax records and W-2 forms at least once every few years, and report any discrepancies to the SSA in writing with supporting documentation.

Understanding Your Benefit Payment Amount

Your Social Security benefit payment is calculated using a formula that considers your earnings record and the age at which you start receiving benefits. The SSA calculates your "Primary Insurance Amount" (PIA), which is your full retirement age benefit. This is the amount you receive if you start benefits at your full retirement age (between 66 and 67 for people born in 1954 or later).

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The actual monthly benefit you receive depends on when you claim benefits. If you start at age 62, your benefit is reduced by approximately 25 to 30 percent. For each year you delay beyond your full retirement age, your benefit increases by about 8 percent, up until age 70. This means someone who waits until 70 receives roughly 24 to 32 percent more per month than someone who claims at their full retirement age.

For example, a person with a full retirement age benefit of $2,000 per month would receive about $1,500 per month if they claimed at 62, but $2,640 per month if they waited until age 70. Over a lifetime, the difference depends on how long someone lives. Someone who lives into their late 80s typically receives more total money by waiting to claim.

Your benefit estimate on your Social Security Statement assumes you will continue working and earning at roughly your current level until your claimed age. If you stop working or have a significant decrease in income, your benefit might be different than estimated. The estimates also assume current Social Security law remains unchanged. Congress has the authority to modify benefits and taxes, and some projections suggest the Trust Fund reserves may become depleted around 2033 if no changes are made.

Married individuals, former spouses, and surviving family members may also receive benefits based on your earnings record. Your statement should show estimates for these family benefits as well.

Practical takeaway: Use the benefit estimates on your statement to understand how waiting to claim benefits at different ages affects your monthly payment amount, and factor this into your retirement planning.

What to Do If You Notice a Problem With Your Account

If you find errors or problems when reviewing your Social Security information, there are specific steps to take. Never ignore discrepancies, as they can affect your benefits and those of family members who depend on your record.

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Common problems include missing or incorrect earnings, duplicate records, incorrect personal information (name, address, date of birth), or concerns that someone else is using your Social Security number. For most errors, contact the SSA directly. You can visit ssa.gov and use their contact tool, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office in person.

When you contact the SSA about a problem, have the following information ready: your Social Security number, date of birth, and specific details about what you believe is incorrect. If the error involves missing earnings, bring your W-2 forms or tax returns from the years in question. If your record shows earnings you did not make, bring documentation showing you did not work during that period.

If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, this is more serious and requires different steps. You should