How to Check Your Social Security Statement (And What the Numbers Actually Mean)

By Matt Frankel, CFP – Mar 14, 2026 at 8:11AM ESTEver since the Social Security Administration stopped mailing annual statements a few years ago, many Americans -- especially those not yet at retirement age -- haven't been reading theirs. In this video, Certified Financial Planner® Matt Frankel walks you through how to find your Social Security statement and the most important information to pay attention to. *Stock prices used were the morning prices of March 11, 2026. The video was published on March 14, 2026. Read NextMar 14, 2026 •By Dana GeorgeThese Are the Top 10 Best Places to Retire According to The Motley FoolMar 14, 2026 •By James BrumleyThis Is the Average Social Security Benefit for Age 62Mar 14, 2026 •By Maurie BackmanA Surprise Social Security Tax Bill Could Be Waiting for You in Retirement. Here's How to Avoid It.Mar 13, 2026 •By Kailey Hagen, CFPThis Savings Strategy Could Drastically Cut Your Tax Bill in RetirementMar 13, 2026 •By Maurie BackmanIs This the Most Overlooked Retirement Account?Mar 13, 2026 •By Kailey Hagen, CFPRetiring Early Is a Mistake If You Haven't Done These 2 ThingsAbout the AuthorMatt Frankel, CFP, is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst specializing in the real estate and financial sectors. Prior to The Motley Fool, Matt taught high school and college mathematics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of South Carolina, a master’s degree in mathematics from Nova Southeastern University, and a graduate certificate in financial planning from Florida State University. He won a SABEW award for coverage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He is also regularly interviewed by Cheddar, Globe St, The National Desk, and other TV networks and publications for his real estate, financial, stock market, and investing expertise.TMFMattFrankelX@MattFrankelCFP