Create a Social Security account through the Social Security Administration's website to review key information before you retire. The account lets you check your earnings record, see benefit estimates at different claiming ages, and verify personal details.
Your earnings record matters because the Social Security Administration uses your 35 highest-earning years to calculate your benefit. Any missing or incorrect wages will lower your future checks. You can review year-by-year earnings in your account. If you find errors, gather W-2 forms, tax returns, pay stubs and other proof for the years in question. Reviewing this information can also help you decide whether working extra years makes sense to replace low-earning years with high-earning ones.
The account shows your estimated monthly benefit based on when you claim. You can compare estimates at age 62, full retirement age, and 70. The longer you delay Social Security, the bigger your monthly checks will be. Keep in mind these estimates are not guaranteed. Your benefits may be higher or lower.
Check your name, date of birth, and contact information for errors. Mistakes can slow down your application. Your account may also reveal other programs you qualify for, including retirement, disability, survivor, and Medicare-related benefits.
Log into your account at least a few months before you plan to claim Social Security. This gives time to fix any problems before your desired start date.