1419. Earnings Information Available from Social Security Records

Each year, Social Security automatically mails a Social Security Statement to everyone who is at least 25 years of age, not already receiving Social Security benefits based on their own earnings record and for whom we can obtain a current address. These statements are mailed about three months before the person's birthday.

1419.1 How can you obtain a statement of earnings?

You also can get a statement of earnings on your Social Security record free of charge by completing Form SSA-7004 (Request for Social Security Statement). You can obtain this request form at any Social Security office or by calling SSA's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 or from www.ssa.gov/mystatement on the Internet.

1419.2 Who is allowed to complete the form?

The form must be completed by the person to whom the record pertains or by an authorized representative.

1419.3 What information is shown on the statement?

Earnings statements show:

1. Total earnings credited to your record beginning January 1, 1937, through December 31, 1950;

2. The annual totals of earnings for the years 1951 through two years before the current year;

3. The number of credits you need for insured status (see Chapter 2);

4. The number of credits you have earned; and

5. Estimates for retirement, disability, family and survivors benefits.

1419.4 How can you obtain more detailed information on coverage?

You may complete Form SSA-7050-F3 (Request for Social Security Earnings Information) to obtain more detailed earnings information than that shown on the Form SSA-7005.

1419.5 Is there a cost to obtain the information?

No, if you need the information in connection with Social Security. For example, you may need earnings information to verify an employer's earnings report or to compute your amount of Social Security taxes.

Yes, charges are made if more detailed earnings information than that shown on the SSA-7005 is required for other than Social Security purposes. Charges are also made if certification by the custodian of the record is needed. Examples would be for the requestor's use in planning private pensions or civil litigation.

1419.6 How are charges calculated?

Charges are determined according to the fee provisions of section 1106(c) of the Social Security Act.

Last Revised: March, 2001