Failing to Verify Your Social Security Earnings History

Your Social Security benefit is based entirely on your earnings history—yet the Social Security Administration database can contain errors or missing years.

Why Errors Matter

Incorrect earnings years can:

• Reduce your calculated benefit

• Affect spousal/survivor benefits

• Distort planning around timing and taxes

Even a single year of missing income can reduce lifetime benefits by tens of thousands.

Review Early and Often

Log into your mySocialSecurity account at least annually to check:

• Each year’s earnings

• Employer-reported wages

• Estimated retirement benefits

• Earnings caps and credited income

Fixing Mistakes Takes Time

You may need:

• W-2s or tax returns

• Pay stubs

• Employer verification

Because correcting errors can be slow—and because you can’t fix things after retirement—start early and stay vigilant.