The Importance of Checking Your Work and Earnings History Through My SSA

Your work and earnings history play a crucial role in determining your eligibility and the amount of benefits you receive from Social Security. Yet, how often do you think about reviewing these records? With the implementation of the My SSA online portal, checking your work records has become easier than ever, but it’s a step that should not be overlooked. Here’s why it’s essential and when you can contest discrepancies in your record.

Why Your Work Record Matters

Social Security draws data from various tax-based record systems to document your work and earnings history. This information serves two primary purposes:

Benefit Calculation: Your earnings history is used to calculate your benefits, whether they are retirement or disability benefits.
Disability insurance is like other insurance in that premiums are paid (in this case through your work effort). When you stop working, your insurance lapses due to non- premiums payments. Confirming an accurate earning record (premium payments) is your safeguard against under-reported income or unreported income.

Ensuring that this earning record is accurate is vital. Inaccuracies can lead to underpayments and affect your financial stability upon approval for Social Security benefits. Missing earnings, for example, can significantly impact your monthly income once your benefits are calculated and approved.

Common Issues with Earnings History

Several common issues can arise with one’s earnings record:

Missing Earnings: Sometimes, simple data entry errors or employer oversight can lead to missing earnings. In some instances, employers might neglect to pay SSA and Medicare taxes, resulting in unreported earnings for employees.
Identity Theft: This can result in an incorrect work history. For instance, a work record might erroneously suggest simultaneous employment across different states, complicating the calculation of benefits.

These errors illustrate the potential risks of not regularly checking your earnings record. Missing or incorrect data can lead to a reduction in benefits or even loss of eligibility.

How to Check Your Work Record

In the past, the SSA provided an annual statement of your earnings and potential benefits via mail. Now, this statement is available online through the My SSA portal. By accessing this portal, you can review your posted earnings history year-by-year from the time you started working.

Checking your earnings history regularly is critical to ensuring the accuracy of the information that determines your benefits.

Contesting Errors: The Time Window

Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a window of three years, three months, and 15 days to contest any discrepancies in your earnings record. After this period, the records become finalized and cannot be adjusted. Failure to address these issues in time can result in a lasting financial hardship, as a reduction in monthly benefits or loss of Medicare eligibility can significantly impact your financial well-being.

Conclusion: Check Your Earning History!

It’s essential to proactively manage and review your earnings history through the My SSA portal. By doing so, you can avoid potential errors and ensure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled. Take control of your financial future by checking your earning record regularly to prevent discrepancies and safeguard your benefits.

As your dedicated advocate for disability, we are here to support you throughout every stage of your case, ensuring you always communicate with the same person. This consistent point of contact enhances our understanding of your unique challenges while helping you grasp the process more effectively.

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UR Disability Rep Difference

At Ur Disability Rep, we do more than compile your information and await a decision. We conduct a comprehensive review of your case to pinpoint any potential weaknesses and guide you on how to strengthen your application. We offer clear advice on program rules, assess the strength of your case, and outline a tailored strategy to boost your claim’s chances of success.

Whether you’re just starting your application or are already in the process, I encourage you to schedule a FREE consultation with us. Together, we’ll craft the most effective strategy for your case. Our aim is to demystify the complexities and paperwork involved so you can concentrate on your health and what truly matters in your life.

Written by Roy Rickstrew, a dedicated Disability Representative, has been advocating for individuals seeking disability-based programs since 2003. With his background working for the government, Roy brings a deep commitment to improving assistance programs for those in need.