Do you know that you can view your social security benefits and estimated future benefits online? If you didn’t know that, you are not alone. The good news is that today you are going to learn something new and discover your benefits with these simple, step-by-step directions.
Create a Social Security Administration account
First, you want to log on to ssa.gov and click “SIGN IN/UP.”
Second, you want to click on “My Social Security.”
Third, you want to go through the steps to either create an account or sign in. If you are creating a new account, you will have to agree to the terms of service and enter your basic information.
Sign in to the “Overview”
Once you create an account, you’ll need to sign in to your “Overview.” You will be sent a security code so have your phone handy. In the “Overview,” you will be able to see a summary of your benefits.
*Note: I’ve taken out our personal numbers in these screenshots. However, you will be able to see yours.*
Here you can view, download and print your statement. Also, you can view your benefits and payments and request a social security card replacement.
To get a deeper look at your estimated benefits, click “Estimated Benefits” on the side menu.
Viewing your estimated benefits
When you select “Estimated Benefits,” you’ll be able to see your social security statement in more detail. Displayed first is answers to common benefit questions. Afterward, you can view your retirement, disability, family, survivors, and medicare benefits.
What are “credits?”
If you aren’t yet eligible, you may be reading a lot of text about credits.
To qualify for social security benefits, a person needs to earn “credits.” You can earn credits when you work at a job and pay social security taxes. The number of credits you have and your amount of work history will be used to determine your benefit eligibility.
As of 2020, you can receive up to four credits per year. One credit is equal to $1,410 of earnings. However, the amount needed to earn a credit increases every year. The credits that you earn will stay on your record.
How many credits do I need for social security retirement benefits?
You will need 40 credits to be eligible for retirement benefits. This is equivalent to 10 years of work.
How many credits do I need for disability or survivors benefits?
Currently, the credits you need for disability and/or survivors benefits vary depending on the situation. As far as disability benefits, eligibility depends on how old you are when you become disabled and how many credits you already have.
In addition, your eligibility for survivor benefits depends on the age and how many credits the deceased person earned while living.
Your benefits shouldn’t be a secret! Now you know how to find out how much social security benefits you have earned to date. Refer to the Social Security Administration website for more benefit related information.
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