Can't find my Social Security earnings statement for taxes - do they still mail them out?
I'm trying to get my Social Security statement for my accountant to do my taxes, but I can't remember the last time I actually received one in the mail. Does SSA still send these out automatically, or do I need to request it? I've never set up an online account (I know, I should have by now). My accountant specifically wants to see my lifetime earnings record to verify something about my future benefits. I'm 58 if that matters. Just wondering if I need to call them or if I should be expecting it in the mail soon?
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Laila Fury
SSA stopped automatically mailing paper statements to most people back in 2011 to save costs. They briefly resumed in 2014, then stopped again. Now they only mail paper statements to people 60 and older who aren't receiving benefits and don't have a my Social Security account. Since you're 58, you won't get one automatically. You have three options: 1. Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount (easiest) 2. Call SSA and request Form SSA-7004 (Request for Social Security Statement) 3. Download and mail in the SSA-7004 form yourself The online account gives you immediate access to your statement. The paper request takes 4-6 weeks to process.
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Hazel Garcia
•Thank you! This explains why I haven't gotten one in years. I'll try setting up the online account. Do you know if the statement I can access online shows all the same information as the old paper ones? My accountant seems really specific about needing the lifetime earnings record part.
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Geoff Richards
They absolutely do NOT mail them anymore unless you're over 60. I learned this the hard way last year! The online statement actually has MORE info than the old paper ones. You can see your entire earnings history year by year going back to your first job. Create your account at SSA.gov - it's pretty easy but you'll need to verify your identity with either credit info or by answering questions about past addresses, loans, etc. The online system will also show your estimated benefits at different retirement ages.
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Simon White
•i tried setting up the account last month and got locked out cuz i forgot my password and now they wont let me try again for like 2 weeks super annoying ugh
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Hugo Kass
I HATE that they stopped mailing these!!! Not everyone wants to put all their personal info online!!! I tried calling the SS office to get mine mailed and was on hold FOR 3 HOURS before I gave up. Then tried again the next day and they hung up on me after 45 mins!! How are seniors supposed to deal with this?? This country has no respect for older citizens who aren't computer experts. DISGRACEFUL!
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Nasira Ibanez
•I had the same issue with endless hold times when trying to get my statement. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual human at Social Security in about 20 minutes instead of hours. They have a video explaining how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU But honestly, I eventually set up the online account and it's actually easier than I expected. You can print out the exact same statement that they used to mail.
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Khalil Urso
You accountant just wants to check your work history? Why? I never heard of an accountant needing that for taxes. Maybe hes trying to sell you something lol
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Hazel Garcia
•He's not just my accountant but also does retirement planning. He's trying to verify if I had any years where I didn't have Social Security earnings that might affect my benefit calculation. Apparently there's some kind of formula that uses your 35 highest earning years, and if you have gaps it can reduce your benefit. Nothing to sell me!
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Myles Regis
Last year my sister needed her statement and she went into her local SSA office with ID and got it printed right there. She doesn't do computers either. You might need an appointment tho - some offices dont take walk ins anymore since covid.
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Laila Fury
•This is correct - you can get an in-person appointment at your local field office, but most locations now require scheduling this in advance. Call the national number (1-800-772-1213) to set up an appointment. Just be prepared for potentially long wait times on the phone.
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Simon White
my accountant just asks for the w2s and 1099s never asked for SS statement weird
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Geoff Richards
•The Social Security statement isn't typically needed for annual tax filing. It sounds like OP's accountant is doing retirement planning and checking benefit eligibility based on their earnings record. That makes sense at age 58 when you're getting closer to making Social Security claiming decisions.
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Khalil Urso
My wife just reminded me they send a mailing when you turn 59 and 6 months with some kind of statement and info about signing up. So maybe just wait a bit and you'll get one automatically? Not sure if its the same statement your talking about though.
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Laila Fury
•That's partially correct. SSA sends a statement to workers a few months before they turn 60, 62, and 65 if they don't already have an online account. However, this is relatively new and the timing isn't always exact. Since the OP needs this for current tax/planning purposes, waiting isn't the best option. Creating the online account will provide immediate access to the same information.
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Hazel Garcia
UPDATE: I successfully created my my Social Security account! It was actually pretty straightforward. I had to verify my identity through my cell phone and answer some questions about my credit history. The statement has EVERYTHING my accountant needed - all my earnings year by year, estimated benefits at different ages, and even a breakdown of SS and Medicare taxes I've paid. Thanks to everyone for the advice!
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Myles Regis
•Good for you! Now make sure you check it every year. My husband found out someone had been working using his SS number because he noticed earnings on there from a year he was unemployed after his heart attack. Helped him stop identity theft before it got worse!
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