A single missing dollar in your Social Security earnings record can cost you far more in retirement. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your monthly benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years. But clerical errors, name changes, and employer reporting mistakes are surprisingly common—and they can quietly shrink your check. Fortunately, retirees and workers can fix these issues if they catch them early. A few small corrections today can add thousands to your lifetime benefits.
