If you are thinking about your future retirement or just want to make sure your work history is accurate, getting your Social Security Statement is one of the best steps you can take. Your statement shows your estimated benefits, your earnings record, and other important details. The good news is that it is very easy to get one, whether you prefer going online or waiting for the paper version in the mail.
What is a social security statement?
Before we talk about how to get one, let us be clear on what a Social Security Statement really is. It is a document from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that gives you:
- An estimate of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits.
- A full history of your yearly earnings.
- Information that can help you plan for the future.
In short, this statement is your personal record, and it helps you see how your contributions over the years translate into the benefits you may receive.
How to get your statement online
The fastest and easiest way to get your Social Security Statement is online. Here is what you need to do:
- Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Log in with your personal my Social Security account.
- If you do not already have one, you can create it in just a few minutes by verifying your identity.
Once you log in, you will have instant access to your statement. It is secure, and you can check it any time you want without waiting for the mail. You will also be able to print or save a copy if you need it for your records.
Can you still get a paper statement?
Yes, you can. Not everyone wants to go online, and the SSA still provides a paper version. If you are not yet receiving Social Security benefits and you do not have an online account, the SSA will automatically mail a statement to you about three months before your 60th birthday.
But what if you do not want to wait until then? You can request one by mail at any time, and it will usually arrive within four to six weeks.
Why should you check your social security statement?
You might be wondering why it even matters to look at your statement if you are still years away from retirement. Here are a few reasons:
- To make sure your earnings history is accurate. Mistakes do happen, and catching them early matters.
- To see estimates of your future retirement benefits, which can help with financial planning.
- To learn about disability and survivors benefits that could help your family if something unexpected happens.
Checking your statement is like checking the foundation of your financial future. You want to be sure everything is correct and on track.
What if you have questions about your statement?
If you look at your Social Security Statement and something does not look right, do not ignore it. The SSA has a helpline you can call, and you can also visit your local Social Security office for help. It is always better to fix errors now rather than years down the road when you are ready to retire.
Related article:
Beware of a new wave of social security scams
How do social security spousal benefits work?
COLA forecast may push 2026 average Social Security check to $2,062
