How Do I Calculate Social Security Benefits at Retirement?
- 1). Find your most recent Social Security statement. The statement gives you a very good estimate of what your retirement benefits will be once you start collecting. If you cannot find your statement, you can request another copy by calling Social Security directly and asking them to send you a copy for your SSA-7004 form. You can also download a form at the Social Security website (see Resources).
- 2). Figure out your retirement benefits by using the benefits worksheet at the Social Security website (see Resources). You will need to know your income for each year you worked, which you can find on your Social Security statement. Enter the amounts you earned and then follow the directions on the form to calculate what your Social Security benefit check will be.
- 3). If you need assistance by phone, call Social Security directly at 800-772-1213 and speak with a representative who will be able to assist you in calculating your Social Security retirement benefits.
