I am single, and will be 66 in Nov. I am currently unemployed and living off savings. I recently reviewed my Lifetime Earnings report and discovered my earnings in 1983 were $24,500 but reported as $0. I have my W-2 tax records to prove this. Is there anything i should be alerted to before i make an appointment to have this corrected? Will they automatically index those missing earnings from 1983? I want to make sure i get all the credit i can. I've never been married and have only my earnings to count on. Also what documentation should i request? Thank you.

Hi,

Social Security should be able to credit you with your correct 1983 earnings if you have your W-2 form from that year. Under normal circumstances, no documentation other than a copy of the W-2 form itself is necessary.

And yes, your 1983 earnings will then automatically be indexed when calculating your benefit rate (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10070.pdf). You may want to consider using our maximization software to compare your filing options in order to determine your best strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry