A Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Social Security Benefits Online
- Vitoria VanHootegem
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Understanding what you can expect to receive from Social Security is an important part of planning your financial future. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) makes it easy to view your estimated benefits online.
This guide will walk you through the process in a simple, easy-to-follow way:
How to Create A My Social Security Account
Before creating your account, make sure you have:
A valid email address
(if you don't have one check out our Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Email Account)
Your Social Security Number
A U.S. mailing address
A phone number (for verification purposes)
Step 1: Go to the Social Security Website
Open your web browser and go to: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
Once there, click on the “Sign In / Up” button in the top right corner.
Step 2: Create a “my Social Security” Account
You’ll be redirected to a secure login page.
Click on “Create an Account”.
You will be asked to agree to the terms of service. After reviewing, click “Agree”.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
To protect your information, the SSA will ask you to verify your identity.
You may need to provide:
Your Social Security Number
Your date of birth
Your address
You may also be asked questions based on your credit history
(such as previous addresses or loans).
Step 4: Set Up Login Credentials
Create your login details:
Username
Password
Choose something secure but easy for you to remember.
You will also set up two-factor authentication (2FA). This means you’ll receive a code by text or email each time you log in.
Step 5: Access Your Social Security Dashboard
Once your account is created, log in to your “my Social Security” account.
From your dashboard, you can:
View your estimated monthly retirement benefits
See your earnings history
Check disability and survivor benefit estimates
Understanding Your Social Security Benefits
Once you are logged in, you will see your Social Security dashboard. This is where you can find the information your attorney may need for your bankruptcy case.
If this is your first time seeing your Social Security information, don’t worry — you only need to focus on a few key items.
After you login you should see a page that says something like:
“Welcome” or “my Social Security” at the top
A menu or list of options
Sections such as:
Retirement Benefits
Disability Benefits
Earnings Record
If you are on the correct page: You will see multiple boxes or links, not just a login screen.
Step 1: Find Your Estimated Benefits
After logging in, look for a section on the page that says:
“Retirement Benefits” or “Benefit Estimates”
Click on or open that section.
Once opened, look for a page or box that shows your estimated monthly payments.
You will usually see 3 numbers:
Age 62 (Early Retirement) → Lower monthly amount
Full Retirement Age (around 66–67) → Your standard estimated benefit
Age 70 (Delayed Retirement) → Higher monthly amount
What to do:
Find the number next to Full Retirement Age
This is the main number most attorneys will want
Step 2: Focus on the Monthly Amount
The most important number is your monthly benefit amount (how much you would receive each month).
To make this easier:
Look for words like “monthly benefit” or “estimated monthly payment”
It will usually have a dollar sign ($) next to it
Example of what you are looking for:
“At Full Retirement Age: $1,450 per month”
What to do:
Write down or take a picture of the FULL retirement age amount
Step 3: Check Your Earnings Record
Your earnings record shows your work history and how much you earned each year.
To find it:
From your dashboard, look for a link or tab that says:
“Earnings Record”
OR “Your Earnings History”
Click on that section.
You will see a list of years (for example: 2015, 2016, 2017, etc.) with dollar amounts next to each year.
What to do:
Slowly scroll through the list of years
Make sure each year shows an income amount
If you see a year with $0 or missing information that seems wrong, make a note of it
Step 4: Take a Screenshot or Download Your Statement
This is the easiest way to send your information to your attorney.
After you find your benefit page, look at the top or side of the page for a button that says:
“Print” or “Save” or “Download”
Then follow these steps:
Option A: Save as PDF (Best Option)
Click “Print”
When a box pops up, change the printer to “Save as PDF”
Click Save
Choose where to save it on your computer or phone
Option B: Screenshot (Easiest Option)
On a Mac: press Command + Shift + 4
On a Windows computer: press Windows + Shift + S
Then click and drag over the benefit
What to send your attorney:
The PDF OR screenshot showing your benefit amounts
Your earnings record (if possible)
To avoid delays, try to include:
Your monthly benefit estimates
Your full retirement age amount
A screenshot or PDF of your benefits page
Tip: If you’re not sure what to send, just send a screenshot of the page — your attorney will review it with you.
Why This Matters in Bankruptcy
Your Social Security benefits may be considered when evaluating your financial situation.
This information can help your attorney:
Understand your current or future income
Determine what type of bankruptcy may be appropriate
Ensure your Social Security income is properly accounted for and protected
Important: Social Security benefits are often protected in bankruptcy, but your attorney still needs accurate information to guide you correctly.
Helpful Tips
Review your earnings history carefully — errors can affect your benefits
Save or print your estimates for your records
Keep your login information in a safe place
Need Help?
If you have trouble creating your account or accessing your information, you can:
Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213
Visit your local Social Security office
Final Thoughts
Checking your Social Security benefits only takes a few minutes and can give you valuable insight into your future income. Taking this small step now can help you make better financial decisions later.
If you have questions about how your Social Security benefits may impact your financial or legal situation, feel free to contact our office for guidance.
Comments