Dear Editor:
Be sure to check the annual Social Security Statement you get in the mail to see whether your earnings record is accurate. If you don’t, you could be making a big mistake.
It’s important to make sure your record is correct because the Social Security benefits you’ll receive in the future will be based on the earnings your employer (or you, if you are self-employed) reported to Social Security. If your record isn’t accurate or complete, you may not receive the benefits you are due.
Remember, you’re the only person who will know whether your record is correct and complete. If you find a mistake, call us at 1-800-772-1213. However, some or all of your earnings from 2000 may not be shown on your current statement. It may be that we were still processing last year’s earnings reports when your statement was prepared. Your complete earnings for last year will be shown on next year’s statement.
And after you’ve checked your record, we hope you’ll use your Social Security Statement to help you plan your financial future. In addition to showing you how much you’ve paid into Social Security, it provides estimates of the monthly Social Security retirement, disability and survivors benefits you and your family could be eligible to receive now and in the future.
To get more information about Social Security, visit www.ssa.gov/mystatement at any time. You can also call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 to speak to a service representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on business days. Our lines are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so if your business can wait, it’s best to call at other times.
Yvonne Bryant
Social Security Manager, Jersey City