You can view your Social Security statement online through your personal account, or request a paper copy by mail
Your Social Security statement is a record of your earnings history and an estimate of the benefits you may receive at retirement, disability, or as a survivor. The fastest way to see it is to create a free account at ssa.gov and log in — you can view your statement immediately and download it as a PDF. If you prefer not to use an online account, you can request a paper statement by mail, which takes about two weeks to arrive.
You do not need to be retired or near retirement age to view your statement. You can request one at any age if you have a Social Security number and are at least 18 years old. The statement shows your complete earnings record going back to when you first worked, which is useful for catching errors that could affect your future benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Create a free account at ssa.gov to view your statement online in minutes, or call 1-800-772-1213 to request a paper copy by mail.
- Your statement lists all your reported earnings year by year and shows estimated benefit amounts based on your current age and work history.
- You should review your earnings record for errors, because mistakes can reduce your future benefits and are easier to correct now than later.
- If you find an error on your statement, you must report it to Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred.
Creating an account on ssa.gov to view your statement online
Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" or "Sign in" at the top of the page. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Social Security will send you a verification code to your email — enter that code to confirm your identity.
Once your account is active, log in and select "View your Social Security statement" from the dashboard. Your statement will display immediately. You can download it as a PDF, print it, or view it on screen. You can check your statement as often as you want — there is no limit to how many times you can view it.
If you have trouble creating an account or logging in, you can call Social Security's customer service line at 1-800-772-1213. They are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.
Requesting a paper statement by mail
If you do not want to create an online account, you can request a paper statement by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by filling out form SSA-7050 and mailing it to your local Social Security office. The form is available on ssa.gov under "Forms".
A paper statement takes about two weeks to arrive by mail. You will receive your complete earnings record and benefit estimates. Once you receive it, keep it in a safe place — you may need to refer to it later if you dispute an earnings record or file a claim for benefits.
What your statement includes and how to read it
Your statement has three main sections. The first shows your earnings record — every year you worked and how much you earned that was reported to Social Security. The second section shows your estimated retirement benefit — the monthly amount you would receive if you claim at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically between 66 and 67). The third section shows estimated disability and survivor benefits — what your family could receive if you became disabled or died.
The benefit estimates assume you will continue working and earning at roughly the same level until retirement. If your income changes significantly, the estimates will change too. The statement also notes if you have enough work credits to be covered by Social Security — you need 40 credits total, and you earn up to four credits per year based on your earnings.
At the bottom of your statement, Social Security includes a message about your future benefits. If you are close to retirement age, the message will tell you how to file. If you are younger, it will explain how your benefits are calculated.
Checking your earnings record for errors
Review the earnings listed on your statement against your own tax records or pay stubs. Look for years where the amount seems too low or too high, or years where you worked but no earnings are listed. These errors can happen if your employer reported your name or Social Security number incorrectly, or if there was a delay in processing.
If you find an error, contact Social Security right away. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring documents that prove your earnings — W-2 forms, tax returns, or pay stubs are the strongest evidence. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if they find an error.
You have a limited window to report errors: three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year the earnings were reported. For example, if you worked in 2021 but the earnings were not recorded correctly, you must report it by April 15, 2025. After that deadline, Social Security generally cannot correct the record, even if you have proof.
Understanding your benefit estimates
The retirement benefit estimate on your statement assumes you will work until your full retirement age and then claim benefits. If you claim earlier (as early as age 62), your monthly benefit will be lower. If you claim later (as late as age 70), your monthly benefit will be higher. The statement does not show these different scenarios — you can calculate them yourself using the retirement estimator tool on ssa.gov.
The disability and survivor benefit estimates assume you are currently insured for these benefits based on your work history. If you became disabled today, your family could receive benefits. These estimates change as you earn more work credits, so your statement will show different amounts each year.
Remember that these are estimates only, not guarantees. Your actual benefit amount depends on when you claim, your final earnings record, and any changes to Social Security law. The statement is a planning tool to help you understand what you might receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have an email address to create an account?
You can still request a paper statement by calling 1-800-772-1213 or mailing form SSA-7050 to your local Social Security office. You do not need an email address to receive a paper statement. If you want to create an account later, you can use any email address, including one you set up specifically for this purpose.
Can I see my statement if I have never worked?
You can create an account and view a statement, but it will show zero earnings and no benefit estimates. You need at least one year of reported earnings to have a benefit estimate. Once you start working and your earnings are reported to Social Security, your statement will update to show your earnings history and estimated benefits.
How often should I check my statement?
Social Security recommends checking your statement at least once every three years to catch errors early. If you are within a few years of retirement, checking it annually is a good idea so you can plan based on your current estimates. You can check it as often as you want — there is no penalty for viewing it frequently.
What if I worked under a different name or Social Security number in the past?
Contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Bring documents showing your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order) or proof of the old Social Security number. Social Security can consolidate your earnings records under your current name and number so your full work history is counted.
Can I print my statement and use it as proof of income?
Your Social Security statement is not an official proof of income document. If you need proof of income for a loan, housing application, or other purpose, you should provide your tax return, W-2, or a letter from your employer. Some organizations will accept a Social Security statement as supporting documentation, but it is not a substitute for official income verification.