How to check your estimated Social Security benefits

For many of us, Social Security will provide a sizable portion of our retirement income. As part of your retirement planning, it’s helpful to understand how much you can expect to receive in benefits. You can visit the official Social Security website to generate a personalized estimate.

Social Security benefits are based on your work earnings. You earn “credits” as you work —up to four per year — and you need a minimum of 40 credits, or about 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits. Your benefit amount may be higher or lower depending on how much you earn and pay in Social Security taxes, known as FICA.

Estimating your benefits can give you a sense of how much of your retirement living expenses you’ll need to cover from your own savings. Social Security alone is unlikely to cover all your costs: The average monthly benefit for Social Security retirement benefits in 2026 is $2,071 a month, or $3,208 for a retired couple both receiving benefits. Your estimate will become more accurate the closer you are to retirement.

To estimate your own benefits, you’ll need to sign in to or create an account with Social Security and provide some identifying information. Your estimated benefit statement includes your earnings record and estimated retirement benefits starting at age 62 — when you can first claim benefits — and continuing each year up to age 70, when your benefits reach their maximum. The longer you delay claiming, up to age 70, the higher your monthly benefit will be.

Note that Social Security also offers a quick calculator option that provides a rough benefit estimate without accessing your earnings record.

Get professional guidance

For more help determining how much money you will need in retirement, contact your EY Navigate™ financial planner. Your planner can help you estimate your income in retirement and what expenses you will need to cover.