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Why Can't I Access My Earnings Information Online Since I Filed For Benefits?

"my Social Security" account not showing any info after filling for spousal benefits.
Hello Larry.
Thanks for all your help on this subject, it has helped us understand the topic and be able to maximize our benefits, given our particular situation. I've read your book and have studied this Q & A extensively over the last year - both have been very helpful.
I am 66 and my wife is 64. We determined the 'best' thing for us was to have her file for her benefit now, and me file for the spousal on her benefit, enabling mine to grow to age 70, which should benefit either of us, no matter who lives longer. Both our birthdays are in Sept so we just did this in Sept '17 and are receiving benefits.

One thing that is puzzling me now, if I log into my Soc Sec account through the website.. absolutely nothing shows in my account other than the spousal benefit I am receiving now. Why does the account stuff not show anymore - what my potential benefit would be if I filed on my own? There is a potential to file and receive more, but nothing like that shows up in the account. Its as if it doesn't exist, which it surely does.
Is this their way of hiding it so a person will not know they even have the option of receiving a higher benefit? Hope this is making some sense to you.

Hi,

I have no idea why Social Security won't allow people to access their earnings histories online once they've filed for benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/). My guess would be that it's due to limitations with their software, or perhaps related to some type of security concern. I doubt if any nefarious motives are involved, but I really have no way of knowing.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jan 12 2018 - 4:21pm
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