Understanding Your Social Security Statement

You may be wondering, “What is a Social Security statement?” If you are thinking about retiring and collecting Social Security (SS) one day, this is an important tool. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes these documents available. However, depending on how old you are, there may be different ways you can access your Social Security benefits statement.

Your Social Security earnings statement is one of the most powerful documents you can receive. With this paper, you can view your full retirement age and the benefit amount you could receive, depending on when you retire. Therefore, it is important that you understand how to request your Social Security statement and what you can use this document for.

How do I get my Social Security statement?

If you are like many citizens, you may wonder how to get a Social Security statement. Generally, you can obtain your Social Security statement online. To access your information, you need to create an account and log in. If you are older than 60 years of age, this option is also available to you. However, if you have not yet created an account and are not enrolled, the SSA also sends your Social Security estimated benefits statement to you by mail.

When does Social Security send out benefit statements?

If you meet the requirements to have your Social Security annual statement sent to you, you will receive it three months before your birthday. However, you should also be able to access your updated Social Security benefits statement online at this time. If you have questions about when you can expect to receive your statement, contact your local Social Security office.

What if I need a copy of my Social Security Statement?

At some point, you may need to get a Social Security statement copy. If you need to obtain a copy of this document, you can file your request online. You can also contact the SSA directly and speak with a representative about obtaining a duplicate of this document. You should also do this if you need to replace your Social Security benefit statement before your next one arrives.