Simply submit a copy of Form SSA-7004. You can obtain a copy by calling 800-772-1213, or apply over the Internet.
This form asks you for a number of facts about yourself, including your name, Social Security number, date of birth, previous year's earnings, the age at which you plan to retire, and how much you expect to earn between now and retirement.
Based on this information and its own records of your previous Social Security payments, the Social Security Administration will produce an 8-page report called a Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement. This document, which will arrive in four to six weeks, lists all the benefits you're likely to receive upon your retirement.
Monthly Benefit
Your report will contain an estimate of your monthly retirement check from Social Security, in today's dollars, based on when you're planning to retire.
It will also contain an estimate of the amount you would receive if you were to wait until full retirement age, (assuming you're planning on retiring earlier), and an estimate of the larger benefit you would receive if you were to continue working until you are 70 years old.
Survivor's and Disability Benefits
Based on your age, your family can receive special survivor's benefits in the event of your death. Your children will receive a percentage of your retirement benefit until they reach age 18, and your spouse will receive your full benefit when he or she turns 65. This report estimates the value of these benefits as well.
If you are unable to work for at least a year or if you are terminally ill, you'll be eligible to receive disability benefits. Your report will also include an estimate of the size of these benefits. Like survivor's benefits, disability benefits include income for dependent children.
Statement of Earnings
Finally, your report will contain a year-by-year statement of your earnings that were subject to Social Security withholding. You should carefully check these numbers against your own records; occasionally the Social Security Administration will make mistakes. It's best to resolve any discrepancies long before you need the retirement benefits.
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Date Published :
Feb 1 2008