The one Social Security step you need to take before the end of 2025

Pop quiz: When’s the last time you actually looked at your Social Security earnings record?

If you’re like most Americans, the answer is somewhere between “never” and “wait, I’m supposed to do that?”

But here’s the thing: Missing or incorrect earnings data can knock thousands off your Social Security benefits — and you’ve only a few years to catch and fix errors before they become permanent.

Tax season is your best window to check. With W-2s hitting mailboxes by January 31, you have fresh documentation to compare against your Social Security records — while you still remember where you worked and what you earned.

⭐ Must read: 7 big changes coming to Social Security in 2026 (one that could shrink your check)

Why your Social Security earnings record matters

What many people don’t know is that Social Security calculates your benefits using your highest 35 years of earnings. Those years don’t need to be consecutive, but if any of those 35 years are wrong or missing, your average earnings could get skewed downward.

Let’s say you earned $50,000 in 2023, but that year somehow never made it onto your Social Security record. Whatever the reason — a reporting error, a name change — that missing year could cost you roughly $120 a month in retirement benefits. Over a 20-year retirement, that’s $28,800 you’re leaving on the table. Not exactly pocket change.

🔍 Read more: Your Social Security reality check: 5 steps to estimate what’s coming your way

The deadline nobody tells you about

Here’s why time is of the essence when it comes to checking your statement: You have only three years, three months and 15 days from the end of the taxable year in which your wages were paid to correct your earnings record.

Returning to that hypothetical error on your 2023 earnings, you’d only have until April 15, 2027, to fix it. There are important exceptions to this deadline, however — employer errors, missing reports, mismatched tax returns and Social Security Administration mistakes among them.

🔍 Read more: Retirees warn: Don’t make these 9 Social Security mistakes

How to check your earnings history in minutes

Luckily, checking your Social Security earnings record takes minutes — and you don’t need to wait until retirement to do it.

It’s free for anyone ages 18 or older at ssa.gov/myaccount.

You’ll need to verify your identity using Login.gov or ID.me, so have your driver’s license and Social Security number handy.

Once you’re in, scroll to “Eligibility and Earnings” and select “Review your full earnings record now.” You’ll see your entire work history laid out year by year, with the amount reported for each one.

Next, grab your old tax returns, W-2s or 1099s. Compare them against your SSA records, looking for:

• Missing years. Check for gaps and scan for $0 earnings. Cross-reference with your old employment records and tax returns.

• Incorrect amounts. Look for suspiciously low earning totals. If you switched jobs mid-year, make sure the combined total reflects each employer.

• Unreported gig work. If you drove for Uber, freelanced or rocked a side hustle, check that your 1099 income appears in your record.

• Missing tips. Tips only show up if you reported them on your W-2 or filed IRS Form 4137. Check that reported tips match your record.

• Name mismatches. If you changed your name due to marriage or divorce, make sure the SSA has your current legal name on file.

💸 Expert tip: Name changes from marriage or divorce are common reasons earnings go missing from Social Security records. If your name has changed recently, update it with Social Security.

🔍 Read more: Social Security’s blind spot: 9 hidden costs that catch retirees off guard

5 steps toreport and fix errors (before it’s too late)

If you find errors in your record, don’t panic — but do act quickly.

1. Gather your proof. Collect your W-2s, pay stubs, tax returns or Schedule SE (for self-employment income). If you don’t have records, write down the employer’s name, dates worked and approximate earnings.

2. Submit your correction request. You have three options:

   1. Mail completed Form SSA-7008 (Request for Correction of Earnings Record) with copies of documentation

   2. Visit your local SSA office

   3. Call 1-800-772-1213 to start the process.

3. Keep copies of everything. Save everything you submit and everything the SSA sends you in a dedicated folder. You’ll need this paper trail if issues pop up.

4. Expect delays. SSA says the process may “take some time” to review corrections — longer if they have to contact old employers to verify wages.

5. Follow up at 60 days. If you haven’t heard anything back within 60 days, call the SSA to make sure your request is on track.

🔍 Read more: 2 Social Security ‘do-overs’ almost nobody knows about

The bottom line: Don’t let 2025 end without checking

With tax season around the corner and W-2s and 1099s in the mail, you’ve got the perfect excuse to check — or finally create — your online Social Security account.

Every error left uncorrected reduces your future benefits. A missing $50,000 in earnings over your career could cost you up to $200 a month in retirement benefits. For life.

The longer you wait, the harder corrections become. Employers go out of business. Documents get lost or destroyed. Your memory fades on that job you worked in 2018 or freelance clients from 2020.

Take 30 minutes to check your Social Security record today. Your 70-year-old self will thank you.

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About the writer

Kat Aoki is a finance writer who’s written thousands of articles to empower people to better understand technology, fintech, banking, lending and investments. Her expertise has been featured on sites like Lifewire and Finder, with bylines at top technology brands in the U.S. and Australia. Kat strives to help consumers and business owners make informed decisions and choose the right financial products for their needs.

Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner

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