The federal government is encouraging Kentuckians to sign up for an online service that lets you check your Social Security benefits.
To be eligible for an online account, you must be at least 18 years old, and have a U.S. mailing address, Social Security number, and valid e-mail address.
Social Security Administration spokesman B.J. Jarrett says those who don’t currently get benefits can also sign up to see what they’re eligible to receive in the future.
"Folks can review and verify their lifetime earnings history for accuracy. They can also see estimates of their future Social Security benefits--not only retirement, but if they were to become disabled, what their family could receive."
Nearly 1 million Kentucky residents receive Social Security benefits.
‘My Social Security’ accounts can be set up here.
Jarrett says the government mails paper statements to those receiving benefits once every five years. But creating an online account means benefits can be checked anytime.
“We encourage folks not to wait for those five years,” Jarrett says. “You can go online if you prefer to do business with us that way, create an account, and you can check that statement every year, as often as you like."
Jarrett says setting up an online account takes less than five minutes.
