Keep tabs on your annual Social Security earnings

The Social Security statement is an important document that helps American workers plan for their retirement. The statement includes an annual record of earnings for each individual.

The document provides retirement benefit estimates using different retirement scenarios and gives estimates of disability and survivors benefits in the event that employees become disabled or die.

Most workers who pay Social Security taxes will automatically receive a statement in the mail each year, about three months before their birthday.

In some situations, a person may not be receiving a statement each year, such as people under 25, workers whose earned income is low enough that they do not need to file a tax return, or persons already receiving benefits.

Workers can request that a statement be mailed to them by going to www.social security.gov/mystatement. Those who request a statement will need to provide their name as shown on their Social Security card, their Social Security number, date of birth, place of birth, and mother's maiden name.

For general information about Social Security, call (800) 772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov.