Are you neglecting your earnings record? Social Security can help you correct any errors you may spot. However, it is only possible to do it if you have not missed the deadline for those changes.
Many workers do not pay much attention to their earnings records. Even if you think retirement is far away, it will come much faster than you expect it. What is more, you should do all that is possible to receive accurate amounts. Getting a lower payment due to errors in your earnings record is possible.
Social Security explains how to correct your earnings records
The Administration claims that you can use your my Social Security account to correct any mistakes or errors you come across in your earnings record. Do not worry if you do not have one online account.
As a matter of fact, you can correct those changes over the phone as well. All you have to do is call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 if you are deaf or hard of hearing). Gather all the necessary documents before you call or log in to your my SSA account.
For your information, you will need Forms W-2, and any paystubs you may have. In this way, you will provide the Social Security Administration with supporting evidence to prove the errors you have found.
How long do you have to correct earnings records from Social Security?
According to the Agency, you will only have 3 years, 3 months and 15 days to correct any earnings record. Thus, you’d better make sure you review them before it is too late. This is the deadline from the end of the taxable year when your wages were paid.
Sometimes Social Security allows you to correct your record after that length of time to confirm records with tax returns filed with the IRS. Another possibility is to correct it because of employee omissions from missing reports or processed employer reports.
It may also be possible to include wages reported by an employer as paid to the employee, but it is not shown on SSA’s record. AS you can see, there are many occasions when there can be errors in your earnings record, so check them ASAP.