You can get your Social Security statement in two ways: online through your personal account, or by requesting one by mail

Your Social Security statement shows your earnings history and estimates what you might receive at different retirement ages. You do not need to wait for the government to send it — you can view it anytime through your own account at ssa.gov, or request a paper copy by mail if you prefer not to use the website.

The fastest route is creating a my Social Security account online. This takes about 10 minutes and gives you instant access to your statement. If you do not want to set up an account, you can request a statement by mail, which arrives in about two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your statement immediately without waiting for mail.
  • You will need an email address, a phone number, and a way to verify your identity — usually a credit card, bank account, or mortgage statement.
  • If you cannot or do not want to create an online account, you can request a paper statement by mail using Form SSA-7050-F.
  • Your statement shows your lifetime earnings record and estimates what you could receive at ages 62, 67, and 70.
  • You can request a statement for yourself only if you are age 18 or older; parents or guardians must request statements for minors.

Creating a my Social Security account online

Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account" in the upper right corner. You will need an email address you can access right away, because Social Security sends a verification link there. Enter your email, create a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol), and choose a security question you can answer later.

Next, Social Security asks for your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Then comes identity verification. The system offers three paths: link a credit card, link a bank account, or upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID. The credit card and bank account routes are fastest — Social Security verifies you in seconds by checking your financial records. If you choose the ID photo route, verification can take up to three business days.

Once you are verified, you can log in and view your statement immediately. Your earnings history appears year by year, and the system shows estimated monthly payments at three different ages. You can print or download the statement as a PDF.

Requesting a paper statement by mail

If you do not want to create an online account, download Form SSA-7050-F from ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to request one by phone. The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and mailing address. You do not need to sign it — Social Security accepts unsigned forms.

Mail the form to the address listed on the form itself, or give it to your local Social Security office in person. Your statement arrives by mail in about two weeks. If you call instead of mailing the form, Social Security mails the statement to the address on file with them, which may not be current if you have moved recently.

What your statement includes

Your statement shows your complete earnings record — every year you worked and how much you earned in Social Security wages. It lists any years you did not work or earned very little. Below that are three estimated monthly payment amounts: what you would receive if you claimed at age 62, at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically 66 to 67), and at age 70.

The statement also shows how much you and your employers have paid into Social Security over your lifetime, and estimates how much your family members might receive if you became disabled or died. It includes a note about your work credits — you need 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work) to receive retirement benefits.

Who can request a statement

You can request your own statement if you are 18 or older and have a Social Security number. If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must request it for you using Form SSA-7050-F and providing proof of guardianship.

You cannot request someone else's statement, even if you are their spouse or adult child. Each person must request their own or authorize someone in writing to do it on their behalf — this requires a power of attorney or similar legal document.

What to do if you find an error on your statement

If your earnings history is wrong — for example, if a year shows zero earnings when you know you worked, or if the amount is significantly lower than you remember — contact Social Security right away. Errors in your record can lower your benefits permanently if you do not catch them before you claim.

Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with your statement and documents that show your actual earnings, such as old tax returns or W-2 forms. Social Security can correct the record if you provide proof. The process usually takes a few weeks to a few months depending on how far back the error goes and whether your employer's records match yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to create an online account to see my statement?

No. You can request a paper statement by mail using Form SSA-7050-F or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The online account is faster — you see your statement in minutes instead of waiting two weeks — but it is not required.

What if I do not remember my Social Security number?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell them your name and date of birth. They can look up your number and either tell you over the phone or mail it to you. You will need the number to create an online account or to request a statement by mail.

Can I see my statement if I have never worked?

Yes, you can request a statement at any age. If you have never worked or have very few work credits, your statement will show that. This is useful if you want to understand how many more years of work you need to become may be able to access for benefits.

How often should I check my statement?

Social Security recommends checking your statement once a year to make sure your earnings record is correct. You can log into your account as many times as you want — there is no limit on how often you view it.

Will getting my statement affect my benefits?

No. Viewing or requesting your statement does not change anything about your benefits or your Social Security account. It is purely informational.