Where to check your Social Security benefits

You can see your Social Security benefits information through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is the fastest way to view your current benefit amount, payment history, and earnings record without calling or visiting an office.

If you do not have an online account, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with a representative. They can tell you your benefit amount over the phone. The wait time varies by time of day and season, but calling early in the week typically means shorter hold times.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require appointments.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your benefit amount, payment date, and earnings history anytime without waiting on hold.
  • You will need an email address, Social Security number, and a way to verify your identity — either a phone number, U.S. mailing address, or bank account.
  • If you cannot create an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours to speak with someone who can tell you your benefit amount.
  • Your benefit amount depends on your age when you start taking benefits, your earnings history, and whether you are receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.

Setting up a my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number or mailing address to verify your identity. The SSA will send a one-time code to your phone or email to confirm you are who you say you are.

If you cannot verify your identity online, the SSA offers other methods. You can verify by mail — they will send you a letter with a code to enter on the website. This takes about two weeks. You can also verify in person at a local Social Security office with your photo ID and Social Security card.

Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your benefits. You do not need to create a new account each time — your login stays active as long as you use it at least once every 12 months.

What information you will see in your account

Your my Social Security dashboard shows your current monthly benefit amount in dollars. This is what you receive each month if you are already getting benefits. The page also displays your next payment date and the payment method (direct deposit to your bank account or a debit card).

You can view your complete earnings record — the wages the SSA has on file for every year you worked. This matters because your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you see missing or incorrect earnings, you can request a correction through your account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The account also shows your benefit statement, which estimates what you would receive if you started benefits at different ages. For example, it shows what you would get at age 62, at your full retirement age, and at age 70. These amounts are different because starting benefits earlier means a smaller monthly payment for life, and starting later means a larger payment.

Understanding your benefit amount

Your Social Security benefit is calculated using your earnings history and the age you start taking benefits. The SSA looks at your 35 highest-earning years and averages them. If you worked fewer than 35 years, they count zero for the missing years, which lowers your average.

The age you claim benefits changes your monthly amount significantly. If you claim at 62 (the earliest age), your monthly payment is roughly 30 percent lower than if you wait until your full retirement age, which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year. If you wait until 70, your payment is roughly 24 to 32 percent higher than at your full retirement age.

If you are receiving disability benefits or survivor benefits (as a spouse or child of someone who worked), your benefit amount follows different rules. Disability benefits are based on your own earnings record. Survivor benefits are based on the worker's earnings record, and the total amount available to your family is capped at roughly 150 to 180 percent of what the worker would have received.

Checking your payment history and deposit schedule

In your my Social Security account, click "Payment History" to see every payment you have received. The list shows the date each payment was sent and the amount. This is useful if you are missing a payment or need to verify when you received money for tax purposes.

Your account also shows your next scheduled payment date. Social Security payments are sent on the same day each month, usually between the 3rd and the 20th depending on your birth date. If your payment is late, check this page first to confirm the scheduled date before calling.

If you receive your payment by direct deposit, it goes into your bank account on the scheduled date. If you receive a debit card, the payment loads onto the card on the same date. You can change your payment method through your account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

What to do if you cannot access your account online

If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the my Social Security login page. You can reset it by answering security questions or by having the SSA send a reset link to your email address.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you have two options. You can request a verification code by mail — the SSA will send it to your address on file, and you enter it on the website. This takes about two weeks. Or you can go to a local Social Security office with your photo ID and Social Security card to verify in person.

If you do not have an email address or cannot access the internet, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative. They can tell you your benefit amount, payment date, and earnings record over the phone. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready when you call.

Reporting changes that affect your benefits

If your circumstances change — you return to work, move to a different country, get married, or have a change in income — you may need to report it to Social Security. Some changes you can report through your my Social Security account, such as a change in address or phone number.

Other changes require a phone call or office visit. If you return to work and earn above a certain amount, you must report your earnings. If you are receiving benefits before your full retirement age, earning too much can reduce your monthly payment. Call 1-800-772-1213 to report work income or other changes.

If you move outside the United States, you must report this to Social Security. Some countries have restrictions on who can receive U.S. Social Security benefits, and your payments may be affected. Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or call the SSA's international phone line at 1-410-965-7307.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to create a my Social Security account?

If you verify your identity online using a phone number or email address, your account is active when ready. If you verify by mail, it takes about two weeks to receive the code. Verification in person at a Social Security office is when ready.

Can I see my benefits if I have not started receiving them yet?

Yes. Your my Social Security account shows your estimated benefit amount at different ages, even if you have not claimed benefits yet. This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you continue working until your full retirement age.

What if the earnings record in my account is wrong?

You can request a correction through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide documents that show your actual earnings, such as old tax returns or W-2 forms. The SSA has a important date for correcting old earnings, usually three years, three months, and 15 days after the year the earnings were reported.

Why is my benefit amount lower than I expected?

Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you worked fewer than 35 years, the missing years count as zero, which lowers your average. Also, if you claim before your full retirement age, your monthly payment is permanently reduced. Check your earnings record in your account to see which years are counted.

Can I check my benefits on a mobile phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to check your benefits, view your payment history, and report changes.