Accessing Your Social Security Statement: What You Need to Know

The Social Security Administration used to send paper statements to wage earners each year. These statements listed your wages and Social Security credits for the year, and a tally of your lifetime earnings and credits. Based on this information, the agency provided an estimate of your future Social Security retirement, disability and survivor benefits. If you haven't seen one of these statements in a while, don't be surprised. As of 2011, Social Security no longer mails annual statements to most workers. However, you can still check your statement online through the the agency's website.

Step 1

Go to the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov.

Step 2

Type "Statement" in the search field and select "Get Your Social Security Statement Online" from the results. You can register a new account Monday through Friday between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m., on Saturday between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., and on Sunday between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m., Eastern Time.

Step 3

Click the "Sign in or Create Account" button.

Step 4

Click the "Create an Account" button in the "New Users" menu.

Step 5

Read and agree to the terms of service and click the "Next" button.

Step 6

Enter your name, Social Security number, birth date, address and phone number. The information you provide must match the information the agency has on file for you. If the data you provide doesn't match, your account can't be created.

Step 7

Select an added security option and click "Next." If you choose the added security option, the agency will text you each time you log in to your account.

Step 8

Answer security questions to confirm your identity. You'll be asked a few random questions, based on historical data the agency has on file for you, such as prior addresses or previous employer information.

Step 9

Create a user ID and password. Log in to your account to view your statement. Once you create an account, you can view your statement, lifetime earnings information and benefit estimates anytime you wish.