Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. Your actual earnings are adjusted or “indexed” to account for changes in average wages since the year the earnings were received. Then Social Security calculates your average indexed monthly earnings during the 35 years in which you earned the most.
How do you find out how much Social Security you have accumulated?
Go to and open an account with Social Security to view your statement. (You can no longer request a printed statement either using Form SSA 7004.)
Most people can receive an estimate of their benefit based on their actual Social Security earnings record by going to You also can calculate future retirement benefits by using the Social Security Benefit Calculators at
How is the amount of Social Security benefits calculated?
The amount of your benefits that is subject to taxes is calculated on a sliding scale based on your income. Money that Social Security recipients pay in income taxes on their benefits goes back into funding Social Security and Medicare.
How can I compare my Social Security benefits?
The other way is to answer a series of questions to prove your identity. Compare retirement benefit estimates based on your selected date or age to begin receiving benefits with retirement estimates for ages 62, Full Retirement Age (FRA), and 70. You can also input expected future income for inclusion in the estimate.
How is my income related to my social security?
Your income from Social Security can be partially taxable if your combined income exceeds a certain amount. “Combined income” is defined as your gross income plus any nontaxable interest you earned during the year, plus one-half of your Social Security benefits.
How can I find out my Social Security benefits?
Estimate monthly benefits based on your Social Security earnings record. Find your full retirement age and learn how your monthly benefits may be reduced if you retire before your full retirement age. Estimate if you are eligible for a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security.
