How Can I Find out What I’ve Contributed to Social Security?

Dear Curious Senior:

I expect you might rightfully believe you have contributed quite a lot and, fortunately, there are a couple of convenient ways for you to find out how much you have actually paid into Social Security over your lifetime:

1. If you have an online Social Security account (www.ssa.gov/myaccount) you can simply go to your online “my Social Security” account and click on the link for “Social Security Statement.”  In that online Social Security statement, you will see a listing of your lifetime earnings, and at the bottom of that listing you will see how much you (and your employers on your behalf) have paid in Social Security FICA payroll taxes (or SECA self-employment taxes) over your lifetime.

2. If you do not have your online Social Security account set up, you can also contact the Social Security Administration, either your local SS field office (get the local office contact information at www.ssa.gov/locator), or call 1.800.772.1213 to ask that a copy of your personal “Social Security Statement” be mailed to you.

Obviously, getting this information online is the most efficient method, so you may wish to create your online account if you don’t yet have one. Instructions for doing so can be found at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Having this online account will open the door for you to access all the information Social Security has for you, including details of your monthly benefit and your lifetime earnings history.

FYI, many who seek this information are looking to understand when (or if) they might get back all their contributions once they start collecting Social Security benefits. Of course, much depends on the age at which you claim your benefits, but as a general guide, it usually takes about 5 years or less for you to get back in SS benefits all that you have personally contributed to Social Security. However, the length of time to “breakeven” is longer for self-employed individuals, who must pay both the employee and employer portion of Social Security payroll taxes.