Why it’s important to check your social security earnings history

LOUISIANA ( WNTZ ) – Many of us may not remember exactly how much we earned at our first job, but did you know you can find out? Your earnings history, which includes all the years you worked and paid Social Security taxes, is a key record of your progress toward future Social Security benefits. The Safety Security Administration (SSA) says tracking your earnings ensures you receive the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime, making it crucial to review your earnings record regularly.

Although it’s your employer’s responsibility to report your earnings accurately, it’s still important for you to double-check your history for any errors or omissions. If incorrect or incomplete information is not corrected, your future Social Security benefits could be lower than they should be. Identifying and reporting mistakes as soon as possible is important because over time it may become harder to obtain old tax documents or payroll records, especially if your former employers are no longer in business.

The easiest way to verify your earnings history is by visiting www.ssa.gov/myaccount to create or log in to your personal “my Social Security” account. Once there, you can review your earnings record and compare it with your own financial documents, such as W-2 forms and tax returns. Keep in mind that earnings from this year or the previous year may not be listed yet. To help you stay on track, the Social Security Administration sends an email reminder three months before your birthday each year, prompting you to review your earnings and get an estimate of your future benefits.

If you find any discrepancies in your Social Security earnings record, you can submit a correction request through your personal “my Social Security” account, if that option is available to you. The online process allows you to correct missing or inaccurate earnings by providing details about your employer and correct income, along with any proof such as W-2s or pay stubs. Documents can be uploaded in JPG or PDF format, and you will receive a receipt for your submission.

Some corrections, such as those for self-employment income or earnings from the current or prior year, cannot be made online. Additionally, online corrections are not available if you already receive Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicare. In these cases, you’ll need to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., to request a correction.

Make sure to start reviewing your earnings history today. It’s also a great idea to encourage family and friends to check theirs. You can even spark a conversation by asking someone about their first job and letting them know they can find out exactly what they earned that year.

For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.