“My Social Security” is a free Social Security account that gives you access to important information like estimates of your future benefits and your latest statements, as well as the ability to change your address, direct deposit, review your earnings record to be sure your earnings are properly credited, and much more (see list below). Every adult should create a “My Social Security” account and take care to keep their ID and passwords up to date, changing them annually.

While providing retirement analyses, I have found years of missing earnings on clients’ earnings records. Clients should check their records every year in June or July to be sure the previous year’s earnings have been correctly posted to your record. It is much easier to submit W-2 and tax return information to correct any mistakes immediately rather than years later when you are filing for benefits.

“My Social Security” accounts apply to those who work in the public sector (city, county, state) as well. Why? You can check that your non-covered earnings are posted correctly for Medicare Part A coverage credit. Many public employees pay the Part A Medicare tax.

Listed below is some of the information you can access in your “My Social Security” account. Create your account by going to www.ssa.gov and scroll down to “My Social Security”.

• View Your Latest Statement
• Review Your Earnings History
• Estimate Retirement Benefits
• Check Application Status
• Apply for Retirement Benefits
• Apply for Disability Benefits
• Apply for Medicare Benefits
• Appeal a Decision
• Change Your Address
• Set Up or Change Direct Deposit
• Print Proof of Benefits
• Print Your 1099
• Review FAQs
• Request a Replacement Social Security Card
• Request a Replacement Medicare Card

Next Month’s Article: Apply for Benefits Online or Make an Appointment? Pros and Cons