Home Prepare for Social Security benefits Get a benefits estimate

How we estimate your benefit amount

We calculate your benefits based on your work earnings. The more you earn and pay Social Security taxes (FICA), the higher your benefit payment. If you continue working after applying, and those years are among your top earning years, your benefits will increase to reflect the extra taxes you paid.


Get a benefits estimate

Check your account to see how much you or your family might get in benefits payments.

Support

  • Contact us
  • Find an office
  • Forms
  • Publications
  • Report fraud

Languages

  • Español
  • Other languages
  • Plain language

Services for

  • Employers & businesses
  • Government agencies
  • Other groups
  • Representatives

Resources

  • Careers
  • Chief actuary data
  • Communications
  • Financial reports
  • Initiatives
  • Research & policy

Social Security Administration