How do I check my lifetime Social Security contributions?

Social Security Matters

Dear Rusty: I have a simple question, I think. How can I find out how much I have paid into Social Security over the years? Signed: Curious Senior Citizen

Dear Curious Senior: You are probably right to think the total could be substantial. The good news is that there are a couple of easy ways to see how much you have paid into Social Security over your lifetime.

If you already have an online Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount, log in to your “my Social Security” account and select “Social Security Statement.” That statement shows your lifetime earnings record, and at the bottom you will find the amount you and your employers have paid in Social Security FICA payroll taxes, or SECA self-employment taxes, over the years.

If you do not have an online account, you can contact the Social Security Administration and request that a copy of your personal “Social Security Statement” be mailed to you. You can find your local field office’s contact information at www.ssa.gov/locator, or call 800-772-1213.

Using the online account is usually the fastest option, so you may want to create one if you have not already done so. Instructions are available at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. An account gives you access to the information Social Security has on file for you, including your monthly benefit details and lifetime earnings history.

Many people who ask this question want to know when, or whether, they may receive back all they contributed after they begin collecting benefits. That depends in part on the age at which benefits are claimed, but as a general rule it often takes about five years or less to receive in Social Security benefits the amount you personally paid in.

The time to “break even” is usually longer for self-employed workers, because they must pay both the employee and employer share of Social Security payroll taxes.

“Ask Rusty” is a layman’s guide to the intricacies of Social Security, provided by the Association of Mature American Citizens. To submit a question, visit amacfoundation.org/programs/social-security-advisory or email [email protected].