Checking my exact Social Security benefit amount online - is it possible before filing?
I'm planning to retire in about 8 months (turning 67 in September) and trying to finalize my budget. I've heard different things about whether I can see my EXACT monthly Social Security benefit amount before I actually file. I created a my Social Security account years ago, but the estimate there seems really generic. Is there a way to see the precise amount I'll get each month? Also wondering if the online estimate includes the delayed retirement credits I should have since I'm past my FRA? Don't want to file until I know exactly what I'm getting!
21 comments
Join the conversation
Kristin Frank
Yes, you can get a pretty accurate estimate through your mySocialSecurity account. The estimate there should reflect your delayed retirement credits since you're past your FRA. The number you see online is usually within a few dollars of what you'll actually get, assuming your earnings information is correct. Have you checked your earnings record to make sure all your work history is showing up properly?
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
•Thanks! I did look at my earnings record a while back but I should double-check it. So the estimate in my account should be pretty close to the real thing? I just wasn't sure because it has a disclaimer saying it's just an estimate.
0 coins
Micah Trail
The ssa.gov site gives you an ESTIMATE not the exact dollar amount!!!! I thought the same thing when I was planning retirement last year. The estimate was off by $43 a month from what I actually got. They dont tell you until after you ACTUALLY APPLY how much you'll really get. Its so frustrating!!!
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
•Oh no, that's exactly what I was worried about. $43 is a pretty big difference when you're budgeting down to the dollar. Did they explain why the estimate was so different from your actual amount?
0 coins
Nia Watson
The online estimate from your mySocialSecurity account is generally very accurate, but it's not 100% precise for a few reasons: 1. The system calculates based on your earnings record up to the previous year 2. Any recent earnings may not be reflected yet 3. If you have government pension issues (WEP/GPO), those calculations are more complex 4. Medicare premiums that will be deducted aren't shown in benefit estimates If you want the exact amount, you'll need to speak with a Social Security representative who can do the full calculation including all the most recent information. They can provide a more precise figure before you actually file.
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
•This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't think about recent earnings not being reflected. I've been working part-time this past year, so maybe that's affecting it. I'll try to speak with a representative - though every time I call I just get busy signals or extremely long wait times.
0 coins
Alberto Souchard
I was in the same situation last year - needed to know the exact amount for budgeting. After trying to call SSA for weeks with no luck (always busy!), I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in about 20 minutes. They called SSA for me and then connected me when they reached an agent. The rep gave me my exact benefit amount down to the penny. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or their website claimyr.com. Saved me hours of frustration!
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
•Thank you! I hadn't heard of this service before. I'll check out the video. Did they need a lot of personal information to set it up? And did the SSA rep give you a different amount than what was shown in your online account?
0 coins
Alberto Souchard
•They just needed basic info to place the call. The SSA rep did give me a slightly different amount - about $27 more than my online estimate showed. The rep explained it was because of my last few months of earnings that hadn't been calculated in the online system yet. Definitely worth knowing the exact amount for budget planning!
0 coins
Katherine Shultz
my uncle tried to get his amount online but the ssa website kept crashing on him. he ended up just going to the local office and they told him the exact amount right there. might be easier than trying to call if you have an office nearby.
0 coins
Marcus Marsh
•Going to the office is a good idea except around here you need an appointment and they're booked 2 months out! The website is so frustrating, I agree. I've had it crash on me three times this month.
0 coins
Micah Trail
Another thing nobody told me - if you're still working they will redo your benefit amount every year automatically based on your new earnings!!! So even if you get an "exact" number now it could go up later if your recent work years are higher earning than your earlier years.
0 coins
Kristin Frank
•This is correct. Social Security recalculates your benefit annually based on new earnings. They look at your highest 35 years of indexed earnings, so if your recent work replaces a lower-earning year in your history, your benefit can increase. This automatic recalculation happens every year until you stop working, regardless of when you began receiving benefits.
0 coins
Hailey O'Leary
I just went through this whole process! The online estimate ended up being $36 less than my actual benefit. After I filed, they sent a letter with the official amount. Something about how they calculate the COLA was different. And yes, the online estimate DOES include delayed retirement credits - I checked with the agent when I finally got through on the phone. One thing though - the online estimate doesn't account for Medicare premiums that will be deducted if you're signing up for both at the same time.
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
•Oh that's a good point about Medicare premiums! I didn't think about that. I'll be signing up for Medicare at the same time. I'm glad to hear the online estimate does include the delayed credits at least.
0 coins
Marcus Marsh
Has anyone actually received MORE than their online estimate? All these comments about getting less is making me nervous!
0 coins
Nia Watson
•Yes, many people receive more than their online estimate, particularly if: 1. They had recent high-earning years not yet reflected in the system 2. They worked longer than expected between checking the estimate and filing 3. There was a COLA adjustment that occurred between viewing the estimate and filing The variation can go either direction, but it's typically within a small percentage of the estimate.
0 coins
Jabari-Jo
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to try to speak with a representative to get the exact figure before I make my final retirement decisions. I'll make sure to check my earnings record again too, and I'll look into that Claimyr service since calling has been impossible. I didn't realize the Medicare premiums would affect the net amount either, so I need to factor that in. Really appreciate all the responses!
0 coins
Chloe Robinson
•You're welcome! One more tip - when you do get through to a representative, ask them to also explain how your benefit will be affected by the annual earnings test if you plan to keep working part-time after filing. Since you mentioned working part-time this past year, you'll want to understand those rules too. The earnings test can temporarily reduce benefits if you earn over certain thresholds before your full retirement age, but you get those benefits back later. Good luck with your retirement planning!
0 coins
Beth Ford
I'm in a similar boat - turning 66 next year and trying to plan ahead! One thing I learned from my financial advisor is that you can also request a "benefit verification letter" through your mySocialSecurity account that shows your estimated monthly benefit. It's different from the regular statement and might give you a clearer picture. Also, if you're married, don't forget to factor in spousal benefits or survivor benefits in your planning - those calculations can be tricky and might affect your timing decision. The delayed retirement credits are definitely worth it if you can afford to wait!
0 coins
Ruby Knight
•That's a great tip about the benefit verification letter! I didn't know that was different from the regular statement. I'll definitely look for that in my account. And yes, I need to think about the spousal benefits too - my spouse is a few years younger so we're trying to coordinate our timing. The delayed retirement credits do seem worth it, especially since I'm already past my FRA. Thanks for mentioning the financial advisor angle - I should probably consult with one to make sure I'm not missing anything important in this decision.
0 coins