How long until 2024 earnings show on Social Security record? Trying to decide about FRA benefits

The SSA doesn't update your earnings record immediately. Most employers only report wages once per quarter, and the SSA usually takes a few months to process everything. Your 2024 earnings probably won't show up until mid-2025, especially if you worked through December.

The SSA website says they update earnings records when tax info gets processed. Your employer has until January 31 to send your W-2 to you, and April 15 is the tax filing deadline, so realistically your 2024 earnings won't appear until at least May or June 2025. That said, you don't necessarily need to wait! The SSA can make estimates if you show them your W-2 or tax return when you apply. I was in your shoes last year and called the SSA directly - they verified my recent earnings over the phone and calculated my new benefit amount within minutes. Saved me months of waiting! Try calling them at their 800 number.

From my experience working at SSA for 22 years (retired now), it's important to understand that your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of indexed earnings. If you're at FRA now, ask yourself: Will your 2024 earnings replace a lower-earning year in your top 35? If you earned significantly more in 2024 than in previous years (after indexing), waiting to see those earnings might increase your benefit. But if 2024 wasn't substantially higher than your other high years, it may make minimal difference. Also, remember that for every month you delay beyond FRA (up to age 70), you earn Delayed Retirement Credits of 2/3 of 1% per month, or 8% per year. This is often more impactful than waiting for one more year of earnings to post.

This is such a common question! Earnings typically take 6-9 months after the tax year ends to appear in the SSA system. But did you know you can estimate the impact yourself? Look at your current benefit estimate, then check your earnings history to identify your 35th highest year. If your 2024 earnings are higher than that amount, calculate the difference, divide by 35, then multiply by about 15% (rough approximation of the benefit formula) to see the monthly increase. It's not exact but gives you a ballpark figure.

my brother had the same problem last year. he just went ahead and filed for his benefits at FRA and then 8 months later they adjusted his payment when his last year of work showed up. got a small retroactive payment for the difference. so you dont really need to wait

WHY does it take SSA so long to update earnings?? In this day and age with computers and everything being electronic, it's RIDICULOUS that we have to wait 6+ months! My taxes are filed electronically in FEBRUARY but SSA can't get their act together until summer??? This is why the system is so broken. Meanwhile they expect us to make major life decisions without complete information. SMH

op make sure you consider how working affects ur benefits if ur collecting before 70. at FRA you don't have the earnings limit anymore so you can work and collect full SS with no reduction. That might be more important than waiting for the 2024 earnings to show up. my cousins husband waited to file and regrets not claiming sooner

To summarize the key points for your decision: 1. Your 2024 earnings likely won't appear until May-June 2025 at the earliest 2. You can bring your W-2 or tax documents to an SSA appointment or discuss them on a phone call to get an updated calculation 3. Each month you delay past FRA gives you a permanent 2/3% increase (8% per year) 4. If you file now, SSA will automatically adjust your benefit amount when your 2024 earnings are processed 5. At FRA, you can work and earn unlimited income while collecting full benefits Hope this helps you make your decision!