If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or you get both then, you are required to report your wages to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your report has to be done promptly to avoid cases of incorrect payment and you do not need to go to a physical office to get this done as you can just get this done online. Here is a simple breakdown of how you can do it.
How to report your wages online through your my Social Security account
The easiest way to report your wages is by using your my Social Security account. This is a secure online portal provided by the SSA. With it, you can quickly submit your earnings from anywhere you have internet access.
You can use the online system if you are:
- An SSI recipient
- An SSDI beneficiary
- A representative payee
- A spouse, parent, or sponsor of someone who receives SSI or SSDI
If you have not already created a my Social Security account, you will need to do so first at the SSA’s official website.
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What information you need before you start
To make sure the process goes smoothly, gather your pay stubs and other wage information before you log in. You will need:
- The start and end dates of the pay period
- The gross amount paid (before taxes and deductions)
- The pay date for each paycheck
When you have these information ready, you will save yourself time and reduce the risk of errors when you enter your wages online.
How far back you can report wages online
The time frame for reporting wages online is different depending on the program – SSDI or SSI recipients. Here is a breakdown:
- If you receive SSDI only: You can report wages for up to two years prior to the current date. You can report a maximum of 104 pay periods and up to five employers in one session. If you need to add more, you will have to start another session.
- If you receive SSI benefits: You can report wages for the month prior to the current month. The SSA recommends that you report within the first six days of the month to avoid incorrect payments. You can still report at any time during the month, but reporting early is best.
If you need to report older wages that go way back further than the allowed time frame, you should contact the SSA directly for assistance on how to navigate this process.
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Tips to avoid mistakes when reporting your wages online
Here are a few tips to keep in mind and avoid mistakes:
- Double-check all numbers you enter before you submit.
- Make sure you include wages for every employer if you work multiple jobs.
- Keep copies of your pay stubs and confirmation of your wage reports for your records.
The SSA notes that “wages reported using your personal my Social Security account are received by us at the time of submission.” This means your information goes directly into the system without any delays.
Why reporting wages online matters
When you report your wages on time, you help the SSA calculate your benefits correctly. This protects you from incorrect payment issues that can give you headaches later. Plus, reporting online is faster than mailing or visiting an SSA office, and you get an instant confirmation once your wages are submitted.
