Importance of Social Security Account

Even if you are in your 40s and not planning to claim Social Security benefits soon, there are several reasons why it's a good idea to create a "my Social Security" account:

1. Review your earnings record: Your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your highest 35 years of earnings. Creating an account allows you to verify that your earnings are accurately recorded. Mistakes can happen, and it's important to correct them early on, as they can affect your future benefits.

2. Estimate your future benefits: The "my Social Security" account provides estimates of your retirement benefits at various claiming ages (62, full retirement age, and 70). This can help you with retirement planning, even if you are not planning to retire soon.

3. Protect against identity theft: Creating an account early can help protect you from potential identity theft related to your Social Security number. By having an account, you can monitor your earnings record and be alerted to any suspicious activity.

4. Access other services: Your "my Social Security" account can also be used to access other Social Security Administration services, such as applying for disability benefits or Medicare.

5. Plan for the future: Even if you don't plan to rely heavily on Social Security benefits in retirement, it's still a good idea to understand how the system works and what you might be eligible for. This knowledge can be valuable for your overall financial planning.

In summary, creating a "my Social Security" account is a proactive step that can help you protect your information, plan for the future, and ensure you receive the benefits you've earned.