You can create a My Social Security account to see your earnings record and benefit estimates without visiting an office
My Social Security is the Social Security Administration's online portal where you can view your earnings history, check your current benefit amount, and see estimates for future benefits. You create the account yourself at ssa.gov — no appointment needed, no phone call required. The account takes about 10 minutes to set up if you have a Social Security number, an email address, and a way to verify your identity.
Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to see your Social Security Statement, which shows how much you have earned over your lifetime and what your benefits might be at different ages. You can also change your address, request a replacement Social Security card, or check the status of any request you have already made.
Key Takeaways
- You create your My Social Security account directly at ssa.gov by entering your Social Security number, email, and name, then verifying your identity through a series of questions or by uploading documents.
- Your Social Security Statement shows your lifetime earnings record and estimates what you could receive at age 62, full retirement age, or age 70.
- You can view your account from any device with internet access, 24 hours a day, without waiting for office hours or making an appointment.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, you can create a limited account that lets you request a replacement card or change your address, but you will not see your earnings record until you verify.
Steps to create your My Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will be asked for your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. The Social Security Administration will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter that code on the website.
Next, you will answer security questions based on your credit history and personal records. These questions ask things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your correct middle name?" The system pulls this information from credit bureaus and public records, so answer based on what you actually know about your own history. If you get more than a few wrong, the system will ask you to verify your identity a different way.
If the questions do not work or you do not want to answer them, you can upload documents instead. The Social Security Administration accepts a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or tribal ID. Take a clear photo of the front and back, upload both images, and the system will review them — this usually takes a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours.
What you will see once you log in
Your Social Security Statement is the main page you see after logging in. It shows your lifetime earnings broken down by year, starting from when you first earned income. Below that are three benefit estimates: what you could receive if you claim at age 62 (the earliest age), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year and ranges from 66 to 67), and at age 70 (the latest age to claim).
These estimates assume you keep working and earning until that age. If you stop working earlier, your benefit will be lower. The estimates also assume current law — Congress could change how Social Security works, which would change these numbers. The statement includes a note about this.
You will also see a section called "Message Center" where the Social Security Administration sends you notices about your account, such as when you request a replacement card or when your address changes. You can check this section anytime to see the status of any request you have made.
Changing your address or requesting a replacement card online
Once you are logged in, click "My Account" at the top of the page. From there, you can select "Change Address" or "Request a Replacement Social Security Card." For address changes, enter your new address and confirm it — the change usually takes effect within a few days. For a replacement card, select the reason (lost, stolen, or damaged), confirm your mailing address, and the card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
You do not need to visit an office for either of these tasks. The entire process happens online, and you will see the status in your Message Center. If you need the card faster, you can still visit your local Social Security office in person, but the online request is free and works for most situations.
What to do if you cannot verify your identity online
If you do not pass the security questions and do not have documents to upload, you can create a limited account. This account lets you request a replacement card or change your address, but you will not see your earnings record or benefit estimates until you verify your full identity.
To complete verification later, you can visit a Social Security office in person with your ID, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative who can verify you over the phone. Once you verify, your full account unlocks and you will see your complete statement.
Checking your earnings record for errors
Your earnings record is important because Social Security uses it to calculate your benefit amount. When you log in, look at the year-by-year breakdown on your statement and check that the amounts match what you remember earning. If you see a year with no earnings when you know you worked, or if an amount looks too low, you may have found an error.
If you spot a mistake, contact Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local office, or use the Message Center in your account to report it. You will need to provide proof of your earnings for that year — usually a tax return, W-2, or pay stub. Social Security can correct errors going back three years, three months, and 15 days from the date you report them.
Understanding your benefit estimates
The three estimates on your statement show what you could receive per month if you claim at different ages. The earliest age is 62, but claiming then means a permanently lower monthly payment — roughly 30 percent less than if you waited until full retirement age. Waiting until age 70 increases your monthly payment by roughly 24 percent compared to full retirement age.
These estimates assume you continue working and earning until that age. If you retire early and stop earning, your benefit will be lower than the estimate shows. The estimates also do not account for taxes — depending on your other income, some of your Social Security benefit may be taxable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a My Social Security account to claim benefits?
No. You can claim benefits by visiting a Social Security office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or mailing in a paper form. The online account is for viewing your information and making certain changes. Many people create an account just to see their earnings record and benefit estimates before they decide when to claim.
Is My Social Security find?
Yes. The site uses encryption and requires you to verify your identity before you can create an account. Your password should be strong and unique. Do not share your login with anyone, and do not use a public computer to access your account if you can avoid it.
What if I forgot my password?
Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and enter your email address. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again.
Can I see my earnings record if I am not yet 18?
Yes, if you have a Social Security number and can verify your identity. Minors can create accounts, though a parent or guardian may need to verify identity on their behalf depending on the verification method. Contact Social Security if you have questions about setting up an account for a minor.
How often should I check my earnings record?
Once a year is reasonable, especially if you are self-employed or have worked for multiple employers. Checking before you turn 60 gives you time to report errors while Social Security can still correct them. After you claim benefits, you can check anytime to confirm your payment amount.