Turn next steps into small actions
You do not need to finish everything at once. Start with the most important task.
Current priorities
- No usable current credit record. Verify it with SSA before evaluating work-credit paths.
- No usable birth year provided, so priorities are not age-based. All basic tasks remain available.
Your retirement preparation checklist
Completed 0 / 7 items
Create or sign in to my Social Security
Use SSA's official sign-in only. This site neither needs nor accepts government passwords.
Open official resourceCheck earnings records and work credits
Review each year of your Earnings Record. Ask SSA about corrections if earnings are missing.
Open official resourceGet official amounts and compare claiming timing
Use SSA estimates and consider living costs, health, work and family when comparing ages 62–70.
Open official resourceVerify spousal, divorced or survivor benefits
Family paths may exist without 40 own credits. Verify with SSA; spouses cannot combine credits.
Open official resourceMark Medicare enrollment timing
Verify first eligibility, current employer coverage and automatic enrollment. Do not delay Part B merely because you have COBRA.
Open official resourceOrganize retirement accounts and verify RMDs
List IRA, 401(k), Roth and other account types and check beneficiaries. RMD starting dates depend on birth year, account type and inheritance. Verify with IRS or a tax professional.
Open official resourceVerify overseas work and retirement rules
Chinese work years do not automatically convert to US credits. For retirement abroad, separately check payment conditions and local healthcare.
Open official resource