How to Request a Social Security Statement

Planning for retirement can be a complicated procedure. One way to simplify it is to know in advance what to expect from future Social Security earnings. You can request a statement from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that outlines what you've paid into the system and what benefits you can expect to receive at retirement.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Get form SSA-7004 (Request for a Social Security Statement) from the SSA. You can obtain the form from your local SSA office, or go to the Social Security Administration's website to apply. If preferred, you can download the application from the SSA website, print and mail it yourself. Using this method, you avoid sending out personal information in an electronic format.

2. Open the electronic request, or print the application. Fill out the form completely. You must provide your social security number, date and place of birth, as well as your Mother's maiden name. To get an accurate earnings projection, fill in the optional sections as well; providing exact earnings for last year, an estimate of future earnings, and your age when you intend to retire.

3. Request your Social Security Statement by submitting the form. Either select the option for online submission, or mail the printed form to the SSA. (You will find the mailing address in the form's instructional section.)

4. Wait for your Social Security Statement return. The SSA sends paper statements by mail only, even if you used an electronic submission. They do not send Social Security Statements over the Internet. Allow 2 to 4 weeks for your statement to arrive by standard U.S. mail.

Resources

• Get Request Form SSA-7004.