Last Updated: 6/30/2026
Taking steps to go back to work is a major milestone. However, if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), one important part of the transition is understanding how to report your earnings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
We’re often asked several common questions about reporting, such as:
- How often does Social Security review your earnings?
- Do I have to report my earnings to Social Security?
- How do I report wages to SSA?
- What is the phone number to report wages to Social Security?
- What happens if I don’t report wages to Social Security?
As an SSA-authorized Employment Network for the Ticket To Work Program, Allsup Employment Services has helped thousands of people return to work successfully, including guiding them through Social Security wage reporting requirements.
Why is Social Security wage reporting important?
Reporting your earnings is an important part of receiving disability benefits. The SSA requires that individuals who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to report work activity and income. Accurate and timely reporting helps ensure your benefits are calculated correctly and that any applicable work incentives are properly applied. It also helps prevent overpayments, which may occur if earnings are reported late or not at all.
When the SSA knows what you are earning, it can:
- Calculate your benefits correctly.
- Apply the work incentives you have earned.
- Reduce the likelihood of overpayments or adjustments later on.
Think of earnings reporting less as a requirement and more as a way to help keep your benefits and future secure.
What earnings and work activity do I have to report?
The Social Security wage reporting requirements are broader than many people realize.
You are required to report any of the following:
- Wages you receive from an employer.
- Income from self-employment.
- Changes in your work activity, including starting or stopping a job, changes in your hours or changes in your rate of pay.
- Income from child support.
- Income from unemployment benefits.
This applies whether you work full time, part time, temporarily, as a freelancer or doing gig work.
Even if your earnings are below certain thresholds, reporting is still required. Any income from work should be reported to the SSA.
When am I expected to report my earnings?
The SSA expects you to report your earnings promptly, and the frequency depends on what the earnings are.
The following Social Security wage reporting timeframes are required:
- Each month, earnings from employment, child support and unemployment benefits.
- Each year (by January 10), earnings from self-employment.
- As changes occur, any cash from friends/relatives, pensions, lottery or gambling winnings, self-employment income estimates and changes in income from all sources.
Delayed reporting, even when unintentional, can result in overpayments that may need to be repaid to the SSA.
What are the different ways I can report my earnings to the SSA?
The SSA offers several reporting methods to accommodate different needs and levels of comfort with technology:
- Online via my Social Security: You can report wages through your personal “my Social Security” account at the SSA’s website. This method is available around the clock and creates a digital record of your submission. You will need your pay stub information on hand before logging in.
- The SSA's Mobile Wage Reporting App: The SSA offers a mobile application designed specifically for Social Security wage reporting. It is a convenient option if you prefer managing tasks from a smartphone and have your pay stubs available. Depending on your smartphone type, get the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Automated telephone wage reporting: The SSA provides a toll-free automated phone system for reporting wages. This option works well if you prefer not to use the internet but still want a straightforward, self-service experience. To use it, call 1-866-772-0953.
- Calling the SSA directly: You can speak with an SSA representative by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778). When you call, keep a record of the date, time and the name of the representative you spoke with.
- Mailing or faxing pay stubs: You may submit copies of your pay stubs directly to your local SSA office by mail or fax. Keep copies for your own records and consider using certified mail so you have confirmation of delivery.
- Visiting a local SSA office in person: For complex situations or if you simply prefer face-to-face assistance, visiting your local SSA office is an option. Bring your pay stubs and any relevant documentation, and request written confirmation of your report.
What happens if I don't report wages to Social Security?
Failing to report your wages or changes in income to the SSA can lead to issuers such as overpayments . Understanding your reporting responsibilities and keeping SSA informed can help ensure your benefits are calculated correctly and reduce the chance of unexpected financial challenges.
Overpayments are one of the most common issues that can occur when work activity or earnings are not reported timely. When the SSA is unaware that your income has changed, it keeps paying your previous benefit amount. Once the difference is discovered, the SSA will calculate what you are supposed to have received and require you to repay the difference. To recover what’s owed, the SSA has the authority to reduce or not send your future benefits.
Accurate and timely reporting helps you stay informed, meet your responsibilities and better manage your transition back to work.
Beyond overpayments, failing to report work activity or earnings may result in additional actions by the SSA. Reporting requirements can vary depending on the type of benefit you receive, which is why understanding your responsibilities is important.
For individuals receiving SSI, not reporting changes in income may affect the amount of benefits received. If the SSA determines that you knowingly provided false information or deliberately withheld a required report, they may suspend your payments for an extended period.
For SSDI recipients, the SSA may take additional steps if required reporting is not completed, which may include adjustments to benefits.
Unreported work activity can also result in SSA reviewing your eligibility for benefits during certain periods. Keeping SSA informed about changes in your work and earnings helps ensure your records are accurate and allows SSA to apply the appropriate rules and work incentives.
Guidance on how and when to report is one of the services that Allsup Employment Services provides at no cost to eligible SSDI beneficiaries who choose to return to work.
How do I verify that the SSA has received my earnings report?
If you are unsure whether a recent report you submitted made it into the SSA’s record or you just want to periodically check that your reports have been received, you can contact the SSA to confirm.
Whichever method of reporting you use, there are some additional things we recommend to make sure your reporting and information is solid:
- Document your submissions. Save confirmation screens, fax receipts or certified mail tracking numbers.
- Keep a simple log that records the date you reported, the method you used and the earnings you reported.
- Retaining your pay stubs for reference is also strongly advisable.
Where can I get help with Social Security wage reporting?
If you’re having problems with reporting, it is helpful to seek support early. Addressing questions or concerns before they become larger issues can help you stay on track and avoid complications later in the process.
If you have a Ticket assigned with Allsup Employment Services through the SSA’s Ticket To Work Program, we provide no-cost guidance to help you understand your reporting responsibilities and the work incentives that apply to your situation.
