Myssa is Social Security's online account portal where you can view your earnings record and manage your benefits

Myssa is the Social Security Administration's (SSA) official website where you create an account, sign in, and see information about your Social Security record. You can view your earnings history, check how much you've paid into Social Security, see estimates of what your future benefits might be, and manage certain account settings. It's free and available 24/7 from any device with internet access.

The name "Myssa" comes from "My Social Security" — it's the SSA's branded portal. You don't go to a separate website; you create a Myssa account directly on ssa.gov. Once you're signed in, you're in your Myssa account.

Myssa is not a replacement for calling Social Security or visiting an office in person. It's a tool to view your own information and handle specific tasks online. Some things still require a phone call or office visit, and this guide will show you which ones.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a Myssa account on ssa.gov using your email address and a password you choose, then verify your identity through a third-party service.
  • Myssa shows you your complete earnings record, benefit estimates, and current payment status if you're already receiving benefits.
  • You can change your address, phone number, and direct deposit information through Myssa without calling Social Security.
  • Myssa cannot process new benefit claims, handle representative payee situations, or resolve disputes — those require a phone call or office visit.
  • Your Myssa account is protected by the same security standards as banking websites, but you should never share your login with anyone.

How to create and sign into your Myssa account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner. If you don't have a Myssa account yet, select "Create an account." You'll need a valid email address and a password you create yourself (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol).

After you enter your email and password, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. This happens through a third-party service — usually ID.me or similar — that checks your information against records they hold. You may be asked to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport, answer security questions, or both. This step takes a few minutes and happens only once.

Once your identity is verified, your Myssa account is active. You can sign in anytime using your email and password. If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page to reset it.

What information you can see in Myssa

Your Myssa account displays your earnings record — the year-by-year history of wages you've earned and Social Security taxes you've paid. This record is what Social Security uses to calculate your benefits. You can see how much you earned each year going back decades. If you spot an error (a missing year, a wrong amount, a name misspelling), you can report it through Myssa or by calling Social Security.

Myssa also shows you benefit estimates. If you haven't started receiving benefits yet, you can see what your monthly payment might be if you claim at your full retirement age, or earlier, or later. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you keep working at your current pace. The estimate changes if you earn more or less in future years.

If you're already receiving Social Security benefits, Myssa shows your current monthly payment amount, the date your benefits started, and your payment history — when payments were sent and how much. You can also see if you're receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other SSA programs.

Account changes you can make through Myssa

You can update your mailing address and phone number directly in Myssa without calling. Go to your account settings and select "Contact Information." Changes usually take effect within a few days.

You can also change your direct deposit information if you receive benefits. If your bank account changes or you want to switch banks, update your routing number and account number in Myssa. This is faster and safer than mailing a form. The change typically takes one to two pay cycles to go into effect.

If you've lost your Social Security card or need a replacement, you can request one through Myssa in some states. The card will be mailed to your address on file. Check your state's rules on ssa.gov, as not all states offer this through Myssa yet.

What you cannot do through Myssa

Myssa does not let you file a new claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. You must start a new claim by phone (1-800-772-1213), in person at your local Social Security office, or through a video appointment. The same is true if you want to claim benefits for a spouse, child, or other family member.

You cannot use Myssa to report a change in your work status, income, or living situation if you receive SSI. SSI has stricter reporting rules, and changes must be reported by phone or in person within 10 days.

If you have a representative payee (someone who receives your benefits on your behalf because you cannot manage them yourself), you cannot change that arrangement through Myssa. A representative payee can view limited information in their own Myssa account, but changes require a Social Security office visit or phone call.

Disputes about your earnings record, benefit amount, or payment status cannot be resolved through Myssa. If you disagree with something you see, you'll need to contact Social Security by phone or office visit to file a formal appeal or request a correction.

Security and privacy in your Myssa account

Your Myssa account uses encryption and multi-factor authentication — the same security tools that banks use. Your password should be strong and unique (not used on any other website). Never share your Myssa login with anyone, including family members, even if they ask to "check something" for you.

Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security asking for your login, it's a scam. Delete it and report it to the SSA at oig.ssa.gov/report.

Your Myssa account shows sensitive information — your earnings, benefit amounts, and personal details. Keep your email account find too, because someone who gains access to your email can use the "Forgot Password" feature to lock you out of Myssa and change your password.

When to call or visit instead of using Myssa

Use Myssa for viewing information and making straightforward updates. Call Social Security (1-800-772-1213) or visit your local office for anything Myssa cannot handle: filing a new claim, reporting a change in your SSI situation, disputing an earnings record, changing a representative payee, or asking questions about your specific situation.

Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. You can also schedule a video appointment if you prefer not to visit in person. Phone lines are typically shorter early in the week and early in the morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Myssa account to receive Social Security benefits?

No. You can receive benefits without ever creating a Myssa account. The account is optional and exists to let you view your information and make certain updates online. If you prefer to handle everything by phone or office visit, you can.

What if I can't verify my identity when I try to create an account?

If the third-party verification service cannot match your information, you can create a limited account using just your Social Security number and date of birth, though you'll see less information. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity over the phone and have an agent set up your account.

Can I use Myssa to check if I'm due a refund or back pay?

Myssa shows your payment history, so you can see when payments were sent and how much. If you believe you're owed back pay or a refund, contact Social Security by phone or office visit to discuss your specific situation, as Myssa cannot process refunds or resolve payment disputes.

Is Myssa the same as my.ssa.gov?

Myssa and my.ssa.gov are the same thing — both names refer to Social Security's online account portal on ssa.gov. You may see both names used, but they point to the same website and account.

What happens if I forget my Myssa password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in 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 sign in. If you don't receive the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again.