Retirees Should Check 35-Year SSA Earnings Records Before Filing to Boost Social Security Benefits

3 articles · Updated · 24/7 Wall St. · Jun 13

$0 wage errors or missing income in Social Security records can permanently reduce retirement checks, making a pre-filing review critical for future claimants.
Benefits are calculated from a worker's 35 highest-earning years, so omitted wages—such as two missing $40,000 years or an uncounted $10,000 side income—can drag down the formula.
The SSA lets users review their earnings history online through a personal account, rather than visiting a field office.
Form SSA-7008 can be used to request corrections before claiming, a step that matters especially for retirees with limited savings.
Federal Reserve data showed a $200,000 median retirement savings balance for people ages 65 to 74 in 2022, underscoring how heavily many seniors rely on Social Security income.

Sources

Left50%

Center50%

Your Social Security record may hide errors costing you thousands. How can you find and fix these mistakes before it’s too late?

A proposed cap on high-earner benefits could save Social Security. How would this 'Six Figure Limit' actually impact your future monthly check?

With Social Security's trust fund nearing depletion by 2033, is retiring abroad becoming the only viable option for American seniors?