Yes, you can see your Social Security statement online through your personal account

You can view your Social Security statement anytime by logging into your account at ssa.gov. The statement shows your earnings history, an estimate of what you might receive at retirement, and what your family could get if you become disabled or die. You do not need to wait for a mailed copy — the online version is current and available immediately after you set up your account.

The statement is free and takes about 15 minutes to create an account if you are doing it for the first time. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Social Security does not charge for this service.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your statement, earnings record, and benefit estimates without waiting for mail.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number to set up your account.
  • The online statement updates automatically and shows your actual earnings year by year, which you can correct if errors appear.
  • You can download your statement as a PDF or print it directly from your account whenever you need it.
  • If you cannot create an account online, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request a mailed statement.

Steps to create your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. Click it and you will be taken through a series of questions to verify your identity. Social Security will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. You will also create a username and password that you choose yourself.

The identity verification process usually takes a few minutes. Social Security may ask you questions about your credit history or past addresses to confirm you are who you say you are. Once you pass verification, your account is active immediately and you can log in right away.

If the online verification does not work — this happens occasionally — Social Security will give you the option to verify by phone or mail instead. A representative can walk you through it over the phone at 1-800-772-1213, or you can request a verification code be mailed to you.

What information appears in your online statement

Your statement shows three main sections. The first is your earnings record, which lists how much you earned in each year since you started working. 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 does not show, or an amount that looks wrong — you can report it directly through your account.

The second section shows your retirement benefit estimate. This is what Social Security projects you would receive per month if you claim at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically between 66 and 67). The statement also shows estimates if you claim earlier at 62 or later at 70, so you can see how the timing affects your monthly amount.

The third section shows what your family members could receive if you become disabled or pass away. This includes estimates for a spouse, children, or ex-spouse depending on your situation. These amounts are based on your earnings record and change as your record updates.

How often the statement updates and what to do if you spot an error

Social Security adds your most recent year of earnings to your record once a year, typically in March or April. Your benefit estimates update automatically based on your current earnings record. If you earned significantly more in the most recent year, your estimate may go up when the new earnings are added.

If you notice an error in your earnings record — a missing year, an amount that is too low, or earnings credited to the wrong year — report it through your account or call 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide proof of your actual earnings, such as tax returns, W-2 forms, or a letter from your employer. Social Security can correct errors going back several years, but the sooner you report it, the better.

Errors are not uncommon, especially if you changed jobs, were self-employed, or had a name change. Correcting them now prevents problems later when you actually claim benefits.

Downloading and printing your statement

Once you are logged into your account, you can download your statement as a PDF file or print it directly to your printer. The PDF version is useful if you want to save it to your computer, email it to a family member, or share it with a financial advisor. The printed version looks the same as the mailed statement Social Security used to send automatically.

You can download or print your statement as many times as you want. There is no limit on how often you check it, and Social Security does not charge a fee.

What to do if you cannot create an account online

If you have trouble verifying your identity online, you have two other options. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will help you verify over the phone and create your account. 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 late in the afternoon.

If you prefer not to use the phone, you can request a mailed statement instead. Call the same number or visit your local Social Security office in person. A mailed statement takes about two weeks to arrive. You can also create an account by mail if you send in a completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) to your local office, though this is slower than the phone or online route.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once you create your account, you log in anytime you want to check your statement. Your account stays active as long as you use it at least once every 12 months. If you do not log in for a year, Social Security may lock your account for security reasons, but you can unlock it by verifying your identity again.

Can I see my statement if I am not yet 18?

You can create an account if you are 18 or older. If you are younger and want to see your statement, a parent or guardian can create an account and request a statement on your behalf, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a mailed copy.

What if I lost my password?

Click "Forgot your password?" on the ssa.gov login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not have access to your email, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access to your account.

Is my information safe if I view it online?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. Your statement is only visible to you after you log in with your username and password. If you are concerned about security, you can also request a mailed statement instead, though it takes longer to arrive.

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

Yes, if you have a valid Social Security number. You can create an account and view your statement the same way as anyone else. If you have questions about your specific situation, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with a representative who handles international cases.