The Importance of Verifying Your Earnings on Social Security’s Website
03/03/2025
For many Americans, Social Security serves as a critical source of income during retirement. However, the amount you receive in benefits is directly linked to your earnings record. Ensuring that your earnings are accurately reported on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website is essential to securing your future benefits. Here’s why regularly checking your earnings is important and how you can do it.
Why Verifying Your Earnings Matters
1. Ensures Accurate Benefit Calculations
Your Social Security benefits are determined based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If any earnings are missing or incorrectly reported, your benefit amount could be reduced. I recommend reviewing your listed earnings once per year to ensure that you receive the correct amount of Social Security income.
2. Correct Errors Before It’s Too Late
Mistakes can happen due to employer reporting errors, name changes, or issues with Social Security numbers. If discrepancies are not caught early, they may be more challenging to correct later. The SSA allows you to request corrections, but it’s much easier to fix errors soon after they occur rather than years down the road.
3. Prevents Identity Theft and Fraud
Checking your earnings statement can also help detect potential identity theft. If someone is fraudulently using your Social Security number for employment, those earnings may appear on your record. Identifying and reporting such activity early can help prevent long-term financial and legal complications.
4. Helps with Financial Planning
By reviewing your earnings record, you can estimate your future Social Security benefits more accurately. This information is essential for planning your retirement savings strategy, determining when to claim benefits, and ensuring financial stability in your later years.
How to Check Your Earnings Record
The SSA provides an easy way to review your earnings history through its online portal. Follow these steps to check your record:
Create or Log into Your My Social Security Account
Visit www.ssa.gov and create an account if you don’t already have one.
Access Your Earnings Record
Navigate to the “Earnings Record” section to review your reported wages year by year.
Verify Your Earnings
Compare the amounts listed with your W-2 forms or tax returns.
If you notice discrepancies, gather supporting documents such as pay stubs and tax records.
Report Any Errors
If you find mistakes, contact the SSA as soon as possible.
You may need to provide documents proving your correct earnings.
Final Thoughts
Checking your earnings on Social Security’s website is a simple yet important task that can help safeguard your financial future. By verifying your records annually, you can ensure accurate benefit calculations, detect fraud, and plan effectively for retirement. Verify your Social Security earnings today!
*Please contact me if you would like help navigating the process of correcting your social security income. You are never charged for meetings or advice.