What you can see in your Social Security account
Your Social Security account holds a record of your earnings history, the taxes you have paid into the system, and an estimate of what your benefits will be at different ages. You can view this information by creating an account on ssa.gov, the official Social Security Administration website. Once logged in, you see your name, date of birth, and a year-by-year breakdown of your reported earnings going back to when you started working.
The earnings record matters because Social Security calculates your benefit amount based on your 35 highest-earning years. If your record shows missing or incorrect earnings from past jobs, your benefit estimate will be too low. Checking your account now — while you are still working — gives you time to correct errors before you claim benefits.
You also see an estimate of your monthly benefit at full retirement age, at age 62 (if you claim early), and at age 70 (if you delay). These estimates assume you keep working and earning at your current rate until retirement. The estimate changes each year as you add new earnings to your record.
Key Takeaways
- You can create a free account at ssa.gov to view your earnings history and benefit estimates without calling or visiting an office.
- Your earnings record should match your W-2 forms and tax returns — if it does not, you have a limited window to request corrections before you claim benefits.
- The benefit estimate shown in your account assumes you work until full retirement age; it updates each year as new earnings are added.
- If you cannot create an account online, you can request a paper statement by mail or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
How to create your Social Security account online
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" or "Sign in" link on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security. The site will ask you to set a password and may send a verification code to your email or phone.
If you already have a login.gov account (used for other federal services), you can use those credentials to sign in to your Social Security account. This is often faster than creating a new account from scratch. Once you are logged in, select "Benefit Estimates" or "My Earnings Record" to see your information.
If you run into trouble creating an account — for example, if the identity verification fails — you have other options. You can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person, though wait times vary by location.
What to do if your earnings record has errors
Compare your earnings record on ssa.gov against your W-2 forms and tax returns for the past several years. Look for missing years, years with unusually low earnings, or earnings attributed to the wrong year. Small discrepancies sometimes happen because of delays in reporting, but large gaps or wrong amounts should be corrected.
If you spot an error, contact Social Security as soon as you find it. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit a local office, or use the online message service in your account (if available in your state). Have your W-2 or tax return handy when you contact them — Social Security will ask you to provide proof of the correct earnings.
Social Security has a three-year, three-month, and 15-day window to correct earnings records. After that period, corrections become much harder. If you are approaching retirement or already retired, do not wait to report errors. The sooner you report them, the sooner Social Security can adjust your benefit amount if needed.
Understanding your benefit estimate
The estimate shown in your account is based on your current earnings record and assumes you will work until your full retirement age (which is 66 to 67 depending on your birth year). If you plan to claim earlier or later, the actual amount will be different. Claiming at 62 reduces your monthly benefit by roughly 30 percent; claiming at 70 increases it by roughly 24 percent compared to your full retirement age amount.
The estimate also assumes your future earnings will be similar to your recent earnings. If you expect a significant change — a promotion, a job loss, or retirement — the estimate may not reflect your actual benefit. Social Security updates your estimate each year after your earnings are reported, usually in September or October.
Remember that the estimate is not a may provide of what you will receive. Your actual benefit depends on your final earnings record at the time you claim, your age when you claim, and whether you are still working when you start benefits (which can temporarily reduce your payment if you claim before full retirement age).
If you cannot access your account online
Not everyone can create an account on ssa.gov — some people face identity verification issues, or they may prefer not to use online services. Social Security offers alternatives. You can request a paper statement by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking for a "Social Security Statement" to be mailed to you. The statement arrives in about two weeks and shows the same earnings history and benefit estimates as the online account.
You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card (or a document showing your number). An employee can print your earnings record and answer questions about your account. Office hours and wait times vary, so call ahead or check ssa.gov for your nearest location.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, Social Security offers TTY services at 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available at most offices, and the phone line has multilingual support.
When to check your account and why timing matters
Check your account at least once every three years, even if you do not plan to claim benefits soon. Regular checks catch errors early, when they are easiest to fix. If you are within five years of retirement, check annually. The closer you get to claiming, the more important it is that your record is accurate.
If you change jobs frequently, have self-employment income, or work under a name different from your Social Security record, check more often. Earnings can take several months to appear in your account after your employer reports them, so do not be alarmed if the most recent year is incomplete until late in the following year.
If you are already receiving benefits, you can still log in to your account to view your payment history, update your direct deposit information, or check your benefit amount. Changes to your earnings record after you start benefits may trigger a recalculation, so it is worth monitoring even after you claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to create a Social Security account?
Creating an account usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies immediately. If verification fails, you may need to try again or contact Social Security by phone. Once your account is set up, you can log in and view your information right away.
What if my name has changed since I started working?
Social Security can link earnings to your current name if you have a legal name change document on file. Contact Social Security with proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.) so they can update your record. This is especially important if you have earnings under a previous name that are not showing up.
Can I see my spouse's earnings record?
No, you can only view your own account. Your spouse must create their own account to see their earnings record. However, when you claim benefits, Social Security will calculate whether you are may have access to to a spousal benefit based on their record, and they will inform you of that amount.
What if my earnings record shows zero for a year I worked?
Missing earnings usually mean your employer did not report them to Social Security, or they were reported under the wrong name or number. Check your W-2 or pay stubs for that year to confirm you worked. Contact Social Security with proof of employment, and they can investigate and correct the record if needed.
Does checking my account affect when I can claim benefits?
No, viewing your account does not change your benefits or trigger any claims. You can check as often as you want without affecting your may be able to access or benefit amount. You only start receiving benefits when you formally request them.