What the Social Security Statement shows you

Your Social Security Statement is a record kept by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that shows your earnings history and estimates what you might receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. You can view this statement online through your personal account on the SSA website — no phone call or office visit required.

The statement lists your reported earnings year by year, going back to when you started working. It also shows how much you have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. The estimates on the statement assume you continue working until a certain age, so the numbers change if your work situation changes.

The statement is not a promise of what you will receive. It is a snapshot based on your work record as of the date you view it. If you have not worked recently, the estimates may be lower than what you would actually receive if you return to work.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a free account on ssa.gov to view your statement anytime, without waiting for the SSA to mail it to you.
  • Your statement shows your complete earnings record and estimates for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current work history.
  • You need a Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or state ID number — to set up an account.
  • The estimates on your statement change each year as you earn more income, so checking it periodically helps you catch errors early.
  • If you spot an error in your earnings record, you must report it to the SSA within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred.

How to create your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the link to "my Social Security" — it is usually on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You will need to provide your email address, create a password, and answer security questions.

The SSA will ask you to verify your identity before you can see your statement. This usually happens in one of two ways: they send a one-time code to your phone or email, or they ask you questions about your personal history (such as previous addresses or loan amounts). The verification takes a few minutes and happens only once.

Once your account is set up and verified, you can log in anytime to view your statement. You do not have to do anything else — the SSA updates your earnings record automatically based on what your employer reports.

What information you need before you start

Have these items ready before you begin creating your account:

  • Your Social Security number
  • A valid email address you check regularly
  • A phone number (for identity verification)
  • Your state ID number or driver's license number (alternative verification method)
  • Information about your address history (the SSA may ask about previous addresses)

If you do not have a phone number or state ID, you can still create an account, but the verification process may take longer. The SSA offers other ways to prove who you are, though they may require you to visit an office or mail in documents.

Reading your earnings record for errors

Your earnings record is the most important part of your statement. It shows what the SSA has on file for each year you worked. Look at the amounts listed and compare them to your own records — pay stubs, W-2 forms, or tax returns.

Errors happen. An employer might report the wrong amount, or a name change might cause records to be split between two Social Security numbers. If you spot a discrepancy, write down the year and the amount that is wrong. Then contact the SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with proof of the correct earnings (usually a W-2 or tax return).

The SSA has a time limit: you must report an error within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year it occurred. After that window closes, the SSA generally cannot correct it. If you worked under a different name or Social Security number in the past, tell the SSA so they can merge your records.

Understanding the benefit estimates on your statement

Your statement shows three estimates: what you might receive at age 62 (early retirement), at your full retirement age (between 66 and 67 depending on your birth year), and at age 70 (delayed retirement). These are based on the assumption that you keep working and earning at roughly the same level until that age.

The estimates are not may provide. They assume current law stays the same and that you live to an average age. If you stop working, earn much less, or earn much more, your actual benefit will be different. The SSA recalculates your estimate each year as your earnings record changes.

If you are already receiving benefits, your statement will show what you are currently getting instead of estimates. If you are not yet receiving benefits but are close to retirement age, the estimates become more accurate because there is less time for your earnings to change.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. The SSA will send a link to your email or verify your identity by phone.

If you cannot verify your identity online — because you do not have a phone number, state ID, or the security questions do not match your records — you have two options. You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a verification code, which takes about two weeks. Or you can visit a Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.

If your account was locked after too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. If you continue to have trouble, call the SSA or visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view my statement if I have never worked?

You can create an account and view your statement, but it will show zero earnings. If you are about to start working or recently started, your first earnings will appear on your statement the following year after your employer reports them to the SSA.

How often does my statement update?

The SSA updates your earnings record once a year, usually in the fall. If you earned income in 2024, it will appear on your statement in late 2024 or early 2025, depending on when your employer reported it.

What if I worked under a different name or Social Security number?

Contact the SSA and explain the situation. Bring documents that show both names or numbers and proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.). The SSA can merge your records so all your earnings count toward your benefits.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

The SSA uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. Your statement is only visible to you when you log in. Do not share your password or login information with anyone, and do not access your account on a public computer.

Can I print or download my statement?

Yes. Once you log in, you can print your statement directly from your browser or download it as a PDF file. Keep a copy for your records, especially if you are planning to retire soon.