Until a few years ago, we all used to receive a Social Security statement in the mail each year. The statement contains a record of the earnings upon which you have paid Social Security taxes over the years, and an estimate of the benefits you may earn as a result.

To save money, these statements are now longer mailed. However, they are available online at ssa.gov. Anyone considering a disability claim should go online to obtain a copy of the statement. 

The statement will show your estimated disability benefit should you become disabled, as well as the family maximum for benefits, should you have children under the age of 18. Of course, the statement also shows your estimated retirement benefit.

The statement is a very handy guide for the Social Security beneifts you have earned. I urge you go check it out. You can create an account and then view your statement by clicking on this link: my Social Security.