Is Social Security Guide affiliated with the government?

No. Social Security Guide is an independent educational resource and is NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any government entity. For official information, please visit SSA.gov.

What information can I find on Social Security Guide?

Social Security Guide provides comprehensive guides on retirement benefits, disability benefits (SSDI), Medicare enrollment, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), survivors benefits, and the application process for various Social Security programs.

When should I start taking Social Security benefits?

You can start receiving Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62, but your benefit amount will be reduced. Full retirement age is between 66 and 67, depending on your birth year. Delaying benefits until age 70 increases your monthly payment. The best time depends on your individual financial situation, health, and retirement plans.

How do I apply for Social Security benefits?

You can apply for Social Security benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. You'll need documents such as your birth certificate, Social Security card, W-2 forms or tax returns, and bank account information for direct deposit.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to disability. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. SSDI is based on work history; SSI is based on financial need.

Work Record

Social Security Job History

Access and verify your complete Social Security work record. Learn how to view your earnings history, check for errors, ensure accurate benefit calculations, and track your progress toward retirement eligibility.

Access My Job History How to Access

Review Your Record Annually

It's crucial to check your Social Security job history at least once a year to catch and correct any errors. Mistakes in your earnings record can reduce your future benefits. The sooner you report errors, the easier they are to fix. Create a free my Social Security account today to review your complete work history.

What is Your Social Security Job History?

Your Social Security job history, also called your earnings record or work record, is a complete record of all your earnings from jobs where Social Security taxes were withheld. This includes W-2 employment and self-employment income reported on your tax returns.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains this record throughout your working life and uses it to determine your eligibility for benefits and calculate your benefit amounts. Your earnings record shows your yearly earnings, the number of work credits you've earned, and estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.

Understanding and regularly reviewing your job history is essential for retirement planning and ensuring you receive the correct benefit amount when you retire, become disabled, or when your family needs survivor benefits.

Why Your Job History Matters

Your Social Security work record affects your benefits and eligibility

Benefit Calculation

Your retirement benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. Missing or incorrect earnings can significantly reduce your monthly payment.

Eligibility Verification

You need 40 work credits (typically 10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits. Your job history proves you've met this requirement.

Disability Claims

For disability benefits, your recent work history determines eligibility. You generally need credits earned in the years just before becoming disabled.

Family Benefits

Your work record affects benefits for your spouse, children, and survivors. Accurate earnings ensure they receive the correct amounts.

How to Access Your Job History

Multiple ways to view your Social Security earnings record

Online Access

Fastest Method

View your complete job history instantly through my Social Security account

Create account at SSA.gov
Verify your identity
Access earnings record
Review yearly earnings

By Phone

No Internet Needed

Request your earnings statement by calling Social Security

Call 1-800-772-1213
Verify your identity
Request earnings record
Receive by mail in 2-4 weeks

By Mail

Traditional Method

Request a paper statement using Form SSA-7050

Complete Form SSA-7050
Mail to your local SSA office
Wait for processing
Receive statement by mail

In Person

Personal Help

Visit your local Social Security office for assistance

Schedule an appointment
Bring photo ID
Request earnings record
Get immediate assistance

What's Included in Your Job History

Information available in your Social Security earnings record

Yearly Earnings

View your earnings for each year of employment

See taxable wages and self-employment income by year

Work Credits

Track credits earned toward benefit eligibility

Monitor progress toward 40 credits needed for retirement

Employer Information

Review employers reported on your record

Verify all jobs are properly documented

Benefit Estimates

See projected retirement benefit amounts

Based on your actual earnings history

Indexed Earnings

View earnings adjusted for wage growth

See how past earnings translate to today's dollars

Complete History

Access your entire work record from first job

All covered employment since you started working

How to Check for Errors

Steps to verify your earnings record is accurate

Compare with Tax Records

Match your Social Security earnings record with your W-2 forms and tax returns for each year. Look for any discrepancies in reported earnings.

Check for Missing Years

Look for years where you worked but no earnings are shown, or years with earnings that seem too low. Missing earnings are a common error.

Verify Work Credits

Ensure you've been credited with the correct number of work credits for each year. You can earn up to 4 credits per year based on your earnings.

Report Errors Immediately

If you find errors, contact the SSA right away with documentation. Bring W-2 forms, pay stubs, or tax returns as proof of correct earnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Social Security job history

How do I check my Social Security job history?

You can check your Social Security job history by creating a free my Social Security account at SSA.gov. Once logged in, you can view your complete earnings record showing all jobs where Social Security taxes were withheld. The record displays your earnings by year, employers, and work credits earned. You can also request a paper statement by mail using Form SSA-7050.

What information is included in my Social Security job history?

Your Social Security job history includes your yearly earnings from all covered employment and self-employment, the number of work credits earned each year, your employers' names (in some cases), and your total lifetime earnings. It shows earnings from jobs where Social Security taxes (FICA) were withheld, including W-2 employment and self-employment income reported on Schedule SE.

Why is my Social Security job history important?

Your Social Security job history is crucial because it determines your eligibility for benefits and calculates your benefit amount. Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your retirement benefit. Errors or missing earnings can significantly reduce your benefits. Your work history also determines if you've earned the required 40 credits (10 years of work) to qualify for retirement benefits.

What if I find errors in my Social Security job history?

If you find errors in your earnings record, contact the Social Security Administration immediately with proof of your correct earnings, such as W-2 forms, tax returns, or pay stubs. You can submit corrections online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office. The SSA will investigate and correct any verified errors.

How far back does my Social Security job history go?

Your Social Security job history typically goes back to when you first started working in covered employment, which for most people is their first job as a teenager or young adult. The Social Security Administration has maintained electronic records since 1978, and paper records exist for earlier years. You can view your complete earnings history from your first covered job to the present.

Can I see which employers are on my Social Security record?

In some cases, yes. Your detailed earnings statement may show employer names for certain years, particularly more recent employment. However, the primary focus of your Social Security record is your total yearly earnings rather than individual employers. If you need detailed employer information, you may need to request additional documentation from the SSA or refer to your personal tax records (W-2 forms).

How do I get work credits added to my Social Security record?

Work credits are automatically added to your Social Security record when your employer reports your earnings and withholds Social Security taxes. In 2024, you earn one credit for each $1,730 in covered earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year. If you're self-employed, credits are added when you file your tax return and pay self-employment tax. No action is needed unless earnings are missing from your record.

What jobs are not included in my Social Security job history?

Jobs not included in your Social Security record are those where Social Security taxes were not withheld, such as some federal government jobs hired before 1984, some state and local government jobs, railroad employment covered by Railroad Retirement, certain religious organization employees who opted out, and some foreign employment. Cash payments under the table or unreported income also won't appear.

How often should I check my Social Security job history?

You should check your Social Security job history at least once a year, ideally after you receive your W-2 forms or file your tax return. Regular reviews help you catch and correct errors early, before records become harder to verify. It's especially important to review your record when changing jobs, becoming self-employed, or approaching retirement age.

Is my Social Security job history private and secure?

Yes, your Social Security job history is private and protected by federal law. Only you can access your earnings record through your my Social Security account (with secure authentication), and the SSA will not release your information to others without your written consent or legal authorization. Your earnings information is encrypted and stored securely. Be cautious of phishing attempts and only access your record through the official SSA.gov website.

Access Your Job History Today

Create your free my Social Security account to view your complete earnings record, check for errors, and get personalized benefit estimates based on your actual work history.

Create My Account Call 1-800-772-1213

Additional Resources

My Social Security Account

Create or access your account to view your earnings record online

Form SSA-7050

Request for Social Security Earnings Information by mail

Benefits Guide

Learn about retirement, disability, and survivor benefits

Find Local Office

Locate your nearest Social Security office for in-person help

What is Your Social Security Job History?