How to look up your Social Security number and view your earnings record

Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier the government uses to track your work history and benefits. You can find your number on your Social Security card, tax returns, W-2 forms, or bank statements. If you need to see what earnings the Social Security Administration has on record for you — which affects how much you'll receive later — you can create an account on ssa.gov and view your earnings history online.

The fastest way to access your information is through a my Social Security account. This is a free, secure login you create directly with the Social Security Administration. Once logged in, you can see your estimated retirement benefit amount, your work history as the government has it recorded, and any benefits you're currently receiving. You can also change your address, request a replacement Social Security card, or report a change in your situation.

If you don't have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person, though appointments are now preferred over walk-ins.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Social Security number appears on your card, tax documents, and W-2 forms if you've worked.
  • A my Social Security account on ssa.gov shows your earnings record, estimated benefits, and current payments without needing to call or visit an office.
  • Creating an account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a credit report check or text message code.
  • The Social Security Administration phone line is 1-800-772-1213, and wait times are shorter on weekday mornings.
  • If your earnings record contains errors, you can dispute them through your account or by contacting the agency directly.

Creating a my Social Security account

To set up an account, go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. The system will ask you to create a username and password.

After you enter your information, the Social Security Administration will verify your identity. Most people are verified instantly through a credit report check — the system asks you questions about your credit history that only you should know the answers to. If you don't have enough credit history, you can request a one-time code sent to your phone instead.

Once verified, you can log in immediately and see your account. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If verification fails, you can try again the next day or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify over the phone.

What information you'll see in your account

Your my Social Security account displays your estimated retirement benefit at your full retirement age, your estimated benefit if you claim at 62, and your estimated benefit if you delay until 70. These are projections based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until that age. The amounts change if your earnings record is updated or if you earn more in the future.

You can also see your complete work history — every year you've worked and how much you earned according to Social Security records. This is important to check because errors here directly affect your benefit amount. If you see years missing or amounts that look wrong, you should report them. The Social Security Administration can only correct errors that happened within a certain timeframe, so catching them early matters.

If you're already receiving benefits — retirement, disability, or survivor benefits — your account shows your current payment amount, payment dates, and any changes to your benefits. You can also see if you have any representative payee or work incentive programs active on your account.

Fixing errors in your earnings record

Errors in your Social Security earnings record are usually caused by a mismatch between what your employer reported and what Social Security has on file. Common mistakes include a name change that wasn't updated, earnings posted to the wrong year, or earnings that weren't posted at all. These errors can reduce your benefit by hundreds of dollars per month, so they're worth fixing.

If you spot an error, start by gathering proof: your W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax returns for the years in question. Log into your my Social Security account and use the message feature to report the error, or call 1-800-772-1213 with your documents ready. The Social Security Administration will investigate and contact you if they need more information.

There are time limits on corrections — generally you have three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year the earnings were supposed to be posted. After that window closes, Social Security can still correct the record if you have evidence the employer reported it incorrectly, but the process is more difficult. Don't wait if you notice a problem.

Accessing your account without the internet

If you can't or don't want to use an online account, you can request a paper copy of your earnings record by calling 1-800-772-1213. The Social Security Administration will mail it to you, usually within two weeks. You can also visit a local Social Security office and ask for a printout on the spot, though you may need to make an appointment first.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. You can also find your local office address on ssa.gov and visit in person — bring your Social Security card and a photo ID.

What to do if you've lost your Social Security card

You can request a replacement card through your my Social Security account without visiting an office or paying a fee. Log in, select "Replace your Social Security card," and choose mail delivery. The card usually arrives within two weeks. You're allowed three replacement cards per year and ten in your lifetime.

If you don't have an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You'll need to show proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and proof of identity (driver's license or state ID). Bring originals or certified copies — photocopies usually aren't accepted.

Protecting your Social Security number

Your Social Security number is sensitive information. The Social Security Administration will never call you unsolicited, text you, or email you asking for your number. If someone claiming to be from Social Security contacts you asking for personal information, it's a scam — hang up or delete the message and report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place, not in your wallet where it could be lost or stolen. You don't need to carry it with you most of the time. If your number has been compromised — you've been a victim of identity theft or a data breach — contact the Social Security Administration immediately at 1-800-772-1213 to report it and discuss next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Social Security information if I've never worked?

You can create a my Social Security account and view your record, but if you've never worked, your earnings history will be empty. Your estimated benefit will be zero. If you're a spouse or child of someone receiving benefits, that information appears separately under family benefits.

What if I can't verify my identity online?

If the credit report verification fails, you can request a one-time code sent to your phone instead. If that doesn't work either, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can verify you over the phone and help you set up your account or access your information directly.

How often should I check my earnings record?

The Social Security Administration recommends checking your record at least once a year, especially if you've recently changed jobs or had a significant change in income. Errors are easier to fix the sooner you catch them, and you want to make sure everything is accurate before you claim benefits.

Can I change my estimated benefit amount online?

No. Your estimated benefit is calculated automatically based on your earnings record and age. It changes only if your earnings record is updated, if you earn more in the future, or if you reach a different age milestone. You can't manually adjust it in your account.

What if my name has changed since I started working?

You should update your name with Social Security so your earnings are posted correctly going forward. Use your my Social Security account to request a name change, or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring proof of the name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) to a local office or mail it in. Past earnings under your old name should already be linked to your account.