It might seem like a distant memory, but do you ever think about the earnings from your very first job? Perhaps it was decades ago. You might be surprised to learn that you can actually access records detailing exactly how much you earned, not just in that first year, but in any year you’ve worked since.
Your earnings history is more than just a nostalgic look back; it’s a critical component of your future Social Security benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) meticulously tracks your earnings throughout your working life to accurately calculate and pay the benefits you’ve rightfully earned. This is precisely why taking the time to review your earnings record is so important.
While it’s the responsibility of your employers to report accurate earnings information to the SSA, it’s essential for you to personally check your earnings history for any mistakes or omissions. Failing to do so could mean you won’t receive credit for all the income you’ve paid payroll taxes on, potentially leading to lower Social Security benefits in the future. You are uniquely positioned to verify the completeness and accuracy of your lifetime earnings record.
Even a single year of unreported earnings can negatively impact your future benefit payments. Over the course of your life, this could translate to a significant loss of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits you are entitled to. Identifying and reporting errors promptly is key. As time passes, retrieving older tax documents can become challenging, and some former employers may no longer be in operation or able to provide past payroll details.
Check SSN Online: Person reviewing Social Security earnings history using my Social Security account on a tablet.
The most efficient way to check your SSN online and verify your earnings record is by creating or signing in to your personal my Social Security account. It’s recommended that you diligently review your earnings record annually, comparing it against your own records such as W-2 forms and tax returns. Keep in mind that earnings from the current year and the immediately preceding year may not yet be included in your record. For added convenience, with a my Social Security account, the SSA will send you an email reminder three months prior to your birthday, prompting you to review your earnings and to explore future benefit estimates.
While this article highlights the importance of checking your earnings online, for detailed instructions on correcting your earnings record, you can refer to the SSA’s publication, How to Correct Your Social Security Earnings Record.
Take a moment to start a conversation about this important topic. Ask a family member or friend about their first job and inform them about the ability to check their earnings history online. Sharing this knowledge can empower others to secure their future Social Security benefits.
