Posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2025
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by AMAC, D.J. Wilson
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Learn about this important document and why government accuracy counts!
A Social Security Statement is a document that outlines earning history and projected benefits. This information is vital for retirement planning. The Social Security Administration (SSA) mails Social Security Statements annually to individuals aged 60 and older who are not receiving Social Security yet and do not have an online account. Younger workers without accounts may periodically receive statements by mail. The easiest way to access a Social Security statement is through a secure account. Click here to learn how to access your statement. Folks may also visit their local Social Security office to gain valuable information on Social Security and even apply for retirement benefits.
Breaking the statement down – Here’s what’s typical of one’s statement:
Retirement benefits: To qualify for retirement, a person earns credits through work – up to four each year. Your statement shows how many credits you’ve earned. The Social Security statement also notifies individuals that they qualify, details full retirement age based on date of birth, and provides a window in which retirement benefits can start. The statement explains that for each month a person waits to get their benefits, up to age 70, the monthly benefit is higher for the rest of their lives. Personalized estimates are based on earnings to date and assume a person continues to earn a specific salary until benefits start.
Disability Benefits: Individuals must earn enough credits to qualify for disability benefits. The statement explains status, should a person become disabled right now and have enough recent work. They also provide a monthly payment number.
Survivor Benefits: Individuals must also earn enough credits for eligible family members to receive survivor benefits. In the statement, Social Security Administration (SSA) provides varied amounts for different family members who may qualify for monthly benefits, such as a minor child, spouse, and total family benefits, including some different scenarios. SSA also shares information on one-time death benefits.
Personalized Monthly Retirement Benefit Estimates (Based on the Age You Start): This chart shows the age retirement benefits start and the monthly benefit amount. Remember that the longer you wait to start your benefits, the higher your monthly benefit amount is for life.
Medicare: This lets a person know that they have enough credits to qualify for Medicare at age 65. Note that Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and up and for people under 65 with certain disabilities or specific health conditions. Remember that even if you do not retire at 65, you should sign up for Medicare within 3 months of your 65th birthday to avoid a lifetime late enrollment penalty.
Earnings Record: Here, folks are asked to review their earning history detailed in a chart below that highlights work year, earnings taxes for Social Security, and Earnings Taxed for Medicare. It is vital that this information is accurate as future benefits are based on those records of earnings. Note that there’s a limit to the amount of earnings you pay Social Security taxes on each year and those above the limit do not appear on your earnings record.
Taxes Paid: This section shows the total estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes paid over your working career based on your Earnings Record. Numbers reflect what you paid and what your employer(s) paid.
Important Things to Know about Your Social Security Benefits: This section lets people know important information. For instance, it explains that Social Security benefits are not intended to be one’s only source of retirement income. A person may need other savings, investments, pensions or retirement accounts to make sure they have enough money to retire. Additionally, a person needs at least 10 years of work (40 credits) to qualify for retirement benefits. The amount of your benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. And, if fewer than 35 years of earnings (years without work show as $0) this may reduce your benefit amounts. It also describes special circumstances, such as claiming benefits if married more than 10 years and divorced, if you receive a pension from earnings not covered by Social Security, and when to use my Social Security Retirement Calculator to estimate spousal benefits.
Applying for retirement benefits
Social Security covers about 93% of American workers. SSA explains that the easiest and most convenient way to apply for retirement benefits is at ssa.gov. Social Security Statements, updated annually and available online or by mail request, are sent to people aged 60 and up who are nearing retirement. In this statement, they share vital information on eligibility and retirement benefits. Since a person’s earnings are used to determine eligibility for Social Security benefits, the numbers must be accurate.
Paths vary
SSA shares that retirement paths vary from person to person. For instance, some people retire at an early age, and others retire later. People also start receiving Social Security at different times within the retirement window. Decisions depend upon independent factors like financial readiness, personal goals, health status, sources of income, and more. Those interested in learning more about benefits for themselves and their families are encouraged to visit ssa.gov. It’s also a terrific idea to contact a qualified financial advisor to review your retirement plan and set plans in motion. It’s also advised to periodically review your Social Security statement for accuracy.
A word of caution
SSA regularly reminds people to protect themselves from Social Security Scams that can steal money or personal information. SSA does NOT randomly contact people by phone, text or email. If you are randomly contacted in those ways, it’s safe to assume it’s a scam. Hang up the phone, ignore suspicious messages, or delete the email. SSA does NOT call people out of the blue about account-related problems or ask for personal information. They NEVER threaten people with arrest or suspension of Social Security benefits. They also DO NOT make demands for payments. Additionally, at NO TIME will they ever ask people to pay to get their cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Those are scams!
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and does not constitute a substitute for professional advice.
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