How to Check Your Social Security Work Credits and Earnings Statement?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers American workers an easy way to track their progress toward retirement and disability benefits through their my Social Security account. This online resource provides crucial details about work credits, earnings history, and benefit eligibility.

Creating and Accessing Your my Social Security Account

Setting up a my Social Security account is the first step to staying informed about your Social Security benefits. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Date of Birth
• Additional personal information for identity verification

Once your account is created, keep your credentials secure to maintain access. Existing users can log in using their current credentials to view or download essential documents like the Social Security Statement.

Understanding the Social Security Statement

After logging in, you can access your Social Security Statement, which provides key details such as:

• Earnings History: A record of your annual earnings
• Work Credits: The total credits you’ve accumulated toward benefits

This document is critical for verifying your eligibility and ensuring your earnings record is accurate. Errors in your record can impact your benefits, so it’s important to report discrepancies to the SSA immediately.

Work Credits: The Key to Social Security Benefits

To qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you need 40 work credits by age 62, which generally requires about 10 years of work. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the required number of credits varies based on your age at the time of disability. For instance, a 30-year-old needs only 8 work credits (approximately 2 years of work) to qualify for SSDI.

Earning Work Credits

Workers can earn up to 4 work credits annually. In 2025, earning 4 credits will require $1,810 in covered earnings, reflecting a slight increase from $1,730 in 2024 due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment ensures benefits keep pace with inflation.

Why Regularly Checking Your Statement Matters

Your earnings record and work credits directly influence your Social Security benefit amount. Reviewing your Social Security Statement regularly allows you to:

• Verify Accuracy: Confirm that your earnings history is correct
• Monitor Progress: Track how close you are to qualifying for retirement or disability benefits

Spotting and reporting errors early ensures your future benefits are calculated correctly.

Plan Ahead for Financial Security

Your my Social Security account is an invaluable tool for staying informed about your benefits. By monitoring your earnings record and work credits, you can secure your financial future and plan effectively for retirement or unforeseen circumstances. Proactive steps today can make a significant difference in the benefits you receive tomorrow.