Discrepancies on my Social Security earnings record - should I fix the $15,000 error before applying?

Yes, you should absolutely correct that $15,000 error! Even small errors in your earnings record can affect your benefit calculation, but a $15K difference could significantly impact your PIA (Primary Insurance Amount). Your benefit is calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings, so if one year is short by $15K, that could mean a permanent monthly reduction. Contact SSA right away with your W-2s and tax returns as proof. The process usually takes 2-3 months for corrections to process, so starting now gives you plenty of time before you plan to file. The smaller discrepancies probably won't make a big difference unless they're in your highest-earning years.

I had same issue last year. Most of my record was fine but they missed about $8,000 from a job I had in 2014. I just ignored it and applied anyway cuz dealing with SS is SUCH a pain!!

You should definitely get this corrected, especially the $15,000 error. Here's why: each year of earnings impacts your benefit calculation, and SSA uses your highest 35 years. The process isn't too difficult but requires persistence. You'll need to file a Request for Correction of Earnings Record (Form SSA-7008). Include copies (not originals) of your W-2s and tax returns for those years. I went through this process about 18 months ago and it took about 10 weeks to get resolved. As for the smaller discrepancies, they might be due to how certain types of income are counted. For example, some non-covered employment or pre-tax deductions might create small differences between your tax returns and what counts for Social Security purposes.

my cousin had this problem and they told him after 3 years nothing could be fixed. something about statute of limitations. hope thats not true for your case

I just went through this EXACT situation last year!!! The whole process was a NIGHTMARE with SSA. I had THREE years with earnings missing ($9,000, $12,000 and about $5,000) and I spent MONTHS trying to get through to someone on the phone. When I finally got my local office to return my calls, they kept telling me different things each time!!!! One person said I needed form SSA-7008, another said just bring in the W-2s, then another one told me I needed certified tax transcripts from the IRS!!!! It was INFURIATING!!!! But I will say it was ABSOLUTELY worth doing. When they finally fixed my record, my estimated monthly benefit went up by $172/month. Over a 20 year retirement that's like $41,000 extra!!!

I'm a bit confused about something - how do you actually check your earnings record? Is that the same as the estimated benefits statement? I'm 58 and should probably be looking at this too...

hey does anyone know if this affects SSI too or just retirement benefits? my mom has some years missing i think

Update: I called the SSA today and after a 45-minute wait, I spoke with someone who was actually very helpful! She confirmed that I should definitely correct the $15K error and said it could affect my benefit by about $65-75 per month. She also explained that the smaller discrepancies under $1000 likely wouldn't change my benefit calculation enough to worry about. She's sending me Form SSA-7008 and said I should include copies of my W-2 and tax return for 2019. She also said there's no time limit for corrections when you have proper documentation. Thanks everyone for your help!

its crazy how they can just mess up ur record like that and not tell u. makes u wonder what else is wrong that we dont know about