Are You Checking Your Social Security Statements Annually?

Are you checking your Social Security statements annually?

Here’s a simple question for you if you’re not already receiving Social Security benefits on your own work record: When was the last time you reviewed your Social Security statement?

More likely than not, your answer to this question falls within the range of “Social Security statement – what’s that?” to “That’s a good question,” to “I don’t remember the last time I received one,” or even “Am I supposed to review that?” Don't feel bad – you're not alone. Based on my practical experience in consulting with folks about their retirement planning, these are the typical answers I hear when this subject comes up.

Let’s get it straight, though. I’m not saying this type of response is okay. On the contrary, I would say it could be costing you big bucks if you aren't in the habit of reviewing your Social Security records annually. Inasmuch as most of us may not expect it to happen or prefer to believe it will not happen to us, in reality, mistakes sometimes do occur in reporting your earnings to Social Security. From reporting the wrong income to incorrect name spellings to your income not making it onto your recording at all, roughly three percent of Americans discover errors annually. And, if I might add, these are those folks who actually do check and crosscheck their statements. I'm guessing there are numerous others who have no idea that their Social Security records are incorrect simply because they don’t verify. Good point, right?

It's important that you understand something. The math that determines the size of the checks that you, and when applicable, your spouse, and even dependents will collect, depends directly on your earnings records. You work hard and pay into the system, so it behooves you to make sure that your records are accurate, doesn’t it?

How Do You Get Your Social Security Statement?

Most people seem to have forgotten about those green and white statements they used to receive once a year, right around their birthdays. That’s because everyone automatically received their Social Security statements once a year, so you didn't have to look for it – but that’s no longer the case for folks who are under the age of 60. Due to budget constraints, only folks age 60 and older who are not already receiving benefits still receive annual paper statements.

If you’re under age 60, you can still receive your statements annually by creating an online account on the Social Security Administration’s website. You will be asked to provide some personal information that will be verified through a third-party vendor (Experian) in order to complete the process. I believe I’ve already made the case and, I'm hoping, convinced you that this is a crucial thing for you to do. Go ahead and create your account today!

As a side note, the Social Security Administration recently announced that they’ll resume mailing paper statements once every five years to those who haven’t created online accounts. If you are in that group, you can expect your statements at ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60. But personally, I think it’s better to create your online account so that you can check the accuracy of your reported income once a year for the previous year, instead of waiting to do so every five years. It’s much easier to catch and fix any possible discrepancies sooner rather than later, wouldn’t you agree?

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