Yes, you can view your Social Security statement online through your personal account
You can see your Social Security statement by creating a my Social Security account on the Social Security Administration website. Once you log in, you will find a record of your earnings history, an estimate of your retirement benefits at different ages, and estimates for disability and survivor benefits. The statement updates once a year, usually in September or October.
You do not need to call Social Security or visit an office to see this information. The online statement is the same one the agency mails to people who do not have an account, but you can view it anytime instead of waiting for the annual mailing.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth.
- Your statement shows your complete earnings record, which is the foundation for calculating all your benefits.
- You can check your statement at any time to catch errors in your earnings history before you turn 60.
- If you cannot create an account online, you can request a paper statement by mail or visit a local Social Security office.
How to create your my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You will need your email address, Social Security number, date of birth, and a phone number. The Social Security Administration will ask you security questions to verify your identity — these are based on information in your credit file, so you must answer them correctly to proceed.
Once you pass the identity check, you can set a password and log in. The whole process usually takes about 10 minutes. If the system cannot verify your identity online, you will see a message telling you to visit a local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to finish setting up your account.
What information appears on your statement
Your statement shows your earnings record — the total wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for each year you worked. This is the number the agency uses to calculate your benefits. Below that, you will see three benefit estimates: what you would receive at age 62, at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and at age 70.
The statement also shows estimates for disability benefits and survivor benefits — what your family members could receive if you became disabled or died. These estimates are based on your current earnings record, so they change if you work more years or earn more money.
Why checking your statement matters
Social Security's records are not always correct. Employers sometimes report earnings under the wrong name or Social Security number, or they may not report them at all. If you find an error in your earnings history, you can correct it, but you have a time limit: Social Security generally will not fix earnings from more than three years, three months, and 15 days in the past.
The best time to check is before you turn 60, when you still have time to fix mistakes. If you spot an error, contact Social Security with your W-2s or tax returns as proof. You can report errors online through your account, by phone, or in person at a local office.
If you cannot create an account online
Not everyone can verify their identity through the online system. If you see a message saying you cannot create an account, you have two other options. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time) and ask them to mail you a paper statement. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and ask for a printed copy.
Paper statements arrive by mail within two weeks. Some local offices also offer in-person appointments where staff can walk you through your statement and answer questions about your benefits.
How often your statement updates
Social Security updates your earnings record once a year, usually between September and October. If you worked during the most recent year, your statement may not show those earnings until the next update cycle. You can check your statement as often as you want — logging in multiple times does not change when the information refreshes.
If you worked as a self-employed person, your earnings may take longer to appear because they are reported through your tax return rather than through an employer.
What to do if you find an error
If your earnings record shows missing income or income under the wrong amount, gather your proof first. You will need your W-2 form from the year in question, or a copy of your tax return if you were self-employed. You can report the error through your online account by selecting the earnings record and following the prompts, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 to report it by phone.
Social Security will investigate and contact you if they need more information. Corrections usually take several weeks. Keep copies of everything you send them, and note the date you reported the error in case you need to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a my Social Security account to see my statement?
No. If you cannot or do not want to create an account, you can request a paper statement by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office. The information is the same; an account just lets you view it anytime online instead of waiting for the annual mailing.
What if I forgot my password?
On the login page, select "Forgot password?" and follow the prompts. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you cannot access your email, call 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you regain access to your account.
Can I see my statement if I have never worked?
You can create an account and log in, but your earnings record will be empty if you have never reported income to Social Security. Your benefit estimates will show zero. Once you start working and your employer reports your wages, your record will begin to build.
Is my information safe on the Social Security website?
The Social Security Administration uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. You should still use a strong, unique password and never share your login information. If you notice suspicious activity on your account, call 1-800-772-1213 right away.
Can I read or print my statement?
Yes. Once you log in, you can print your statement directly from your browser or save it as a PDF file. This is useful if you want to keep a copy for your records or share it with a financial advisor or family member.