What My Social Security Account Does
My Social Security is the official Social Security Administration (SSA) online account where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage some parts of your Social Security directly from home. You create the account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, email address, and identity verification.
Once you log in, you can see the estimated benefits you would receive at different ages, review your complete earnings history, change your address or phone number, request a replacement Social Security card, and report a change in your work status. You cannot file for benefits through My Social Security — you still do that by phone, in person, or through a third party — but you can track the status of a claim you have already filed.
The account is free and does not replace calling Social Security or visiting a field office. It is a tool to check information and handle routine updates without waiting on hold or scheduling an appointment.
Key Takeaways
- You create a My Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, email, and identity verification through ID.me or Login.gov.
- Your earnings record shows every year you worked and how much you earned, which directly affects the amount of your future benefit.
- The benefit estimate on your account assumes you keep working until your full retirement age and does not include any other income or taxes.
- You can update your address, phone number, and direct deposit information through your account, but filing for benefits still requires a phone call or in-person visit.
- If you lose access to your account, you can reset your password or contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity another way.
How to Create Your My Social Security Account
Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account". You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send a verification code to your email — enter that code to confirm your address is real.
Next, you choose how to verify your identity. The SSA uses two services: ID.me or Login.gov. Both ask you to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport and answer questions about your financial history (past addresses, loan amounts, or credit accounts). This step usually takes a few minutes. If the system cannot verify you automatically, you may be asked to take a video selfie or schedule a callback with an SSA representative.
Once verified, you set a password and choose security questions. You can then log in to your account. The first time you log in, Social Security may ask you to confirm your phone number or set up two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone when you log in from a new device).
What Information You Can See in Your Account
Your earnings record shows every year you worked, your employer's name (if available), and how much you earned in each year. This is the same record Social Security uses to calculate your benefit. If you see a year missing or an amount that looks wrong, you can request a correction — but you must do this within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year in question. After that window closes, Social Security cannot change the record.
Your benefit estimate shows how much you would receive per month if you started benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), or at age 70. The estimate assumes you continue working at your current earnings level until you claim. It does not account for taxes you will owe on your benefits, other income you have, or any reduction if you claim before your full retirement age and still work.
You can also see your Statement of Earnings, a formal document that lists your complete work history. This is the same document you would receive by mail if you requested it, and you can read it as a PDF.
Changes You Can Make Through Your Account
You can update your address and phone number directly in your account. Changes take effect within one to two business days. You can also add or change your direct deposit information if you are already receiving benefits — the new account details will be used for your next payment.
If your Social Security card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through your account. Social Security will mail a new card to your address on file. You cannot choose expedited shipping, and the card usually arrives within two to four weeks.
You can report a change in your work status (such as retirement or a return to work) through your account if you are already receiving benefits. This is important because your benefit amount may change if you earn above a certain threshold while claiming before your full retirement age. The earnings limit for 2024 is $23,400 per year, but this amount changes annually — check your account for the current year's limit.
What You Cannot Do in Your Account
You cannot file for benefits through My Social Security. To claim retirement, survivor, or disability benefits, you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit a field office in person, or work with a representative (such as a lawyer or advocate). You can check the status of a claim you have already filed, but you cannot start a new claim online.
You cannot appeal a decision or request a hearing through your account. If Social Security denies your claim or you disagree with a decision, you must file a written appeal or request a hearing through the mail or in person at a field office.
You also cannot report fraud, request a name change, or update your citizenship status through your account. These changes require a phone call or in-person visit to verify your identity and process the change securely.
Keeping Your Account find
Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, birth date, or name in your password. Change your password every few months, especially if you use the same password on other websites.
Enable two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it. This means you will receive a code on your phone every time you log in from a new device, making it harder for someone else to access your account even if they know your password.
Never share your password or the codes sent to your phone. Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in or verify information, do not click the link — go directly to www.socialsecurity.gov instead.
What to Do If You Cannot Access Your Account
If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you will need to contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a field office in person.
If your account is locked after too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. If it remains locked, call Social Security. If you cannot verify your identity through ID.me or Login.gov, you can ask to verify by phone or in person instead — this takes longer but does not require uploading documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Social Security account the same as my benefits account?
No. My Social Security is the account you create at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to view information and make updates. If you receive benefits, you may also have a separate account with your bank or payment processor (such as Direct Express) where you manage how your benefit payment is deposited. Both are separate from your official Social Security record held by the SSA.
Can I see my benefit payment history in my account?
Yes, if you are already receiving benefits. Log in and look for "Payment History" or "View Your Payments". You can see deposits from the past 12 months. If you need a record of payments from earlier years, you can request a benefit verification letter, which you can read or print from your account.
What if the earnings record in my account is wrong?
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with your W-2 forms or tax returns showing the correct earnings. You must report the error within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year in question. After that, Social Security cannot correct the record, even if you have proof of the earnings.
Do I need a My Social Security account to receive benefits?
No. You can receive benefits without ever creating an account. The account is optional and is meant to make it easier to check information and make updates. You can still call Social Security or visit a field office to do everything the account allows.
Can someone else access my account if they have my Social Security number?
Not without also having your email address and passing identity verification through ID.me or Login.gov. These services ask for documents and personal history questions that are harder to fake. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.