You can check your Social Security account through my Social Security, the official website, or by calling Social Security directly

my Social Security is the fastest way to see your account. You create a free account at ssa.gov/myaccount, sign in with your username and password, and view your earnings record, estimated benefits, and payment history in minutes. If you do not have an account yet, you can set one up the same day you visit the site. No process or waiting period is involved.

If you prefer not to use the website, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) and speak to a representative. They can tell you the same information over the phone. The wait time varies by time of day and season, but calling early in the week or early in the morning usually means shorter holds.

You can also visit a Social Security office in person. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require appointments. Calling ahead saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount shows your earnings record, estimated retirement and disability benefits, and payment history without waiting.
  • You need a username, password, and either a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to create an account.
  • Calling 1-800-772-1213 gives you the same information by phone if you do not want to use the website.
  • Your earnings record updates once a year in the fall, so checking in October or later shows the most recent year of work.

Setting Up my Social Security for the First Time

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send a verification code to your email and phone to confirm you are the account holder. This takes a few minutes.

After you verify, you choose a username and password. Write these down or save them in a password manager, because you will need them every time you log in. If you forget your password later, you can reset it on the login page.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard shows your current earnings record, an estimate of your retirement benefit at different ages, and your payment history if you are already receiving benefits. You can also read a statement to keep for your records.

What Information You Can See in Your Account

Your earnings record lists every year you worked and how much you earned. Social Security uses this to calculate your benefits. Check it for gaps or missing years — if you worked but your earnings do not show up, you may need to contact Social Security to correct it. Corrections can take time, so catching errors early matters.

Your estimated benefits show what you could receive at different ages. The estimate assumes you keep working at your current pace until retirement. If you plan to retire early or work longer, the number will change. The estimate also shows what your family members might receive if you become disabled or pass away.

Your payment history appears only if you are already receiving benefits. It shows every payment Social Security has sent you, the date it was sent, and the amount. If you notice a missing or incorrect payment, you can report it through your account or by calling.

When Your Account Information Updates

Social Security adds your most recent year of earnings to your record once a year, usually in October. If you worked in 2024, that income will not show in your account until fall 2025. This delay happens because employers send wage reports to the IRS, and Social Security receives them later in the year.

If you are receiving benefits, your payment history updates within a few days of each payment. If you are not yet receiving benefits, your account shows only your earnings record and estimates.

Fixing Errors in Your Earnings Record

If you see missing earnings or earnings under the wrong year, you can report it through my Social Security. Log in, go to your earnings record, and look for the option to report a change. You will need to provide the year, employer name, and the amount you believe you earned. Social Security will investigate and contact you if they need more information.

Keep your old tax returns and W-2 forms as proof. If Social Security cannot find a record of your earnings with the employer, your tax return is the strongest evidence you have. The correction process can take several months, so do not wait if you spot an error.

Checking Your Account Without Creating a Password

If you do not want to create an online account, you can still see limited information by calling 1-800-772-1213. A representative can tell you your current earnings record and estimated benefits over the phone. You will need to answer security questions to prove your identity, such as questions about your address history or past loans.

Calling takes longer than using the website — expect to wait 15 to 45 minutes depending on the time of day — but you get the same core information. Some people prefer this route if they are uncomfortable with online accounts or do not have regular internet access.

Protecting Your my Social Security Account

Your account contains sensitive information, so use a strong password that you do not use anywhere else. A strong password has at least 12 characters and mixes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Do not share your username or password with anyone, including family members or people claiming to work for Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your account details, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 yourself to report it.

Log out of your account when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. If you have not logged in for 15 minutes, the system logs you out automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I cannot remember my Social Security number?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain that you need your number. A representative can look it up using your name, date of birth, and other identifying information. You can also check old tax returns, W-2 forms, or bank statements — your number often appears on these documents.

Can I check someone else's Social Security account?

No. Only the account holder can log in and view the information. If you are managing someone's affairs as a power of attorney or representative payee, you may be able to see limited information by calling Social Security and providing proof of your authority, but you cannot access their online account.

Why does my earnings record show less than I think I earned?

Social Security only counts earnings up to a certain limit each year — in 2024, that limit was $168,600. Earnings above that limit do not count toward your benefits. Also, some types of income like self-employment income may not have been reported to Social Security yet if you have not filed your tax return.

How often should I check my account?

Check it once a year after October, when your most recent earnings are added. This gives you time to spot errors before you file your taxes or before you turn 62 and become may be able to access for retirement benefits. If you are already receiving benefits, checking every few months helps you catch payment problems quickly.

What if my account is locked or I cannot log in?

If you enter your password wrong three times, your account locks for 15 minutes as a security measure. Wait 15 minutes and try again. If you still cannot log in, click "Forgot your username or password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. If that does not work, call 1-800-772-1213 for help.