How Do I Check My Social Security Statement?

Login Links and Steps for My Social Security Account

Your Social Security statement is a key document that shows your earnings history, your estimated future Social Security benefits, and other important information about your Social Security record. Accessing it online is fast, secure, and free — but you need a my Social Security account to do it.

1. What Is a Social Security Statement?

A Social Security statement is a personalized summary of your earnings and estimated Social Security benefits, including:

• Your work history and the earnings recorded for each year.

• Estimated monthly benefits for retirement, disability, survivors, and spouse.

• Records of your contributions to Social Security.

It helps you understand how much you might receive when you retire, become disabled, or if someone in your family qualifies for benefits after your death.

2. Why You Should Check Your Statement Regularly

Checking your Social Security statement regularly ensures:

• Your earnings are correct — Your future benefits are based on your lifetime earnings.

• No gaps or errors — If mistakes are present, it could lower your future benefits.

• Planning for retirement — You get up-to-date estimates of what you might receive.

If you see an error in your earnings record, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) promptly to fix it long before you retire.

3. Official Login Links for Your SSA Account

To access your Social Security statement online, use the official SSA (.gov) website — never trust links in emails or texts unless you verify they are genuine.

👉 Official SSA Main Pages

• SSA Homepage: https://www.ssa.gov/

• Sign in or Create Your my Social Security Account:
  https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

These are the official, secure starting points for everything you need to log in, create an account, or get help.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Social Security Statement Online

Here’s how you check your Social Security statement in straightforward steps:

Step 1 — Go to the Official SSA Account Page

Visit:
👉 https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

This page lets you sign in or create an account.

Step 2 — Sign In or Create a my Social Security Account

You will see options to:

✔ Sign in if you already have an account.
✔ Create an account if you don’t.

To sign in, you will use one of the secure login services supported by SSA:

• Login.gov — A secure government login service.

• ID.me — Another secure identity verification option recognized by SSA.

Choose one, confirm your identity, and proceed.

Important: If you created a Social Security account with an older username/password before September 18, 2021, you may need to transition to a Login.gov or ID.me account.

Step 3 — Complete Identity Verification

SSA takes privacy seriously, so you will go through a security check, which may include:

• Email verification

• Text messages or phone codes

• Uploading ID images (through Login.gov or ID.me)

Just follow what the system prompts you to do. This ensures only you can see your sensitive information.

Step 4 — Access Your Account Dashboard

Once signed in, you’ll be taken to your my Social Security dashboard.

Here you will find:

• Your Social Security statement

• Benefit calculators

• Records of earnings

• Other SSA services like card replacement or benefit status

Click the appropriate link to view or download your statement.

Step 5 — View or Print Your Statement

Your statement will usually open as a PDF you can:

• View online

• Download

• Print for your records

When planning retirement or financial goals, having a printed copy can be helpful.

5. Alternative Ways to Get Your Statement

If you can’t access it online (for example, if you have trouble with identity verification):

By Mail (Paper Statement)

SSA used to mail paper statements regularly, but now encourages online access. If you haven’t received one, you can request it by contacting SSA directly.

By Phone or In Person

Call SSA’s toll-free number (in the U.S.) at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local SSA office and ask for a copy of your statement. (Confirm hours and services on the SSA website.)

6. What If You Have Trouble Logging In?

Online access is usually smooth, but here’s what to watch out for:

✔ Don’t Use Suspicious Email Links

Scammers sometimes send fake emails claiming your statement is ready — often with dangerous links. Always go directly to the .gov site instead of clicking links in emails. 

✔ Identity Verification Issues

Some people report challenges with login verification (e.g., phone code issues or foreign phone numbers). If you’re stuck, try:

• Using a different login method (Login.gov vs. ID.me).

• Accessing from a computer rather than a mobile device.

• Contacting SSA support for help.

7. What You Can Do Once You’re Logged In

Once you’re in your account, you can do much more than just view your statement:

✔ Estimate future benefits — retirement, disability, survivors.
✔ Check status of applications — track pending benefit requests.
✔ Request replacement documents — like your Social Security card.

All these tools are designed to give you better control over your Social Security planning.

8. Privacy and Security Tips

Your Social Security information is highly sensitive. Follow these practices:

🔒 Always use the official SSA.gov site.
🚫 Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts.
📩 SSA will rarely send statements by email.
🔑 Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

If in doubt about a communication claiming to be from SSA, go straight to SSA.gov and check your account there.

Conclusion

Checking your Social Security statement online is one of the most important steps in financial planning. With a my Social Security account, you can quickly verify your earnings record, estimate benefits, and monitor your account securely. Use the official SSA links, complete the identity verification steps, and keep your account details safe. The process gives you confidence that your Social Security record is accurate — and that you’re prepared for whatever retirement or benefit planning lies ahead.