The Social Security Administration's main website is ssa.gov
ssa.gov is the only official website run by the Social Security Administration. It contains information about benefits, how to create an account, and how to contact Social Security directly. If you are looking for official Social Security information, this is where to start.
Many websites claim to help with Social Security matters, but they are not run by the government. Some charge fees for services that Social Security provides for free. The official site has no ads, does not ask for payment, and does not redirect you to third-party services unless you choose to leave on your own.
You can reach ssa.gov from any web browser. The site works on phones, tablets, and computers. If someone sends you a link to a Social Security website and you are not sure whether it is real, type ssa.gov directly into your browser instead of clicking the link.
Key Takeaways
- ssa.gov is the official Social Security Administration website and is the only place to find information directly from Social Security.
- You can create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov to view your earnings record, benefit estimates, and manage your benefits online.
- The official website does not charge fees for any information or services — Social Security provides these for free.
- Social Security phone lines and field offices are listed on ssa.gov, and you can schedule appointments or ask questions through the site.
- Scams often use fake Social Security websites or emails, so always type ssa.gov directly into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or texts.
Creating and using a my Social Security account
A my Social Security account is a free online account that lets you view your Social Security information without calling or visiting an office. You create it on ssa.gov by entering your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Social Security will verify your identity by asking questions about your financial history.
Once your account is set up, you can see your earnings record, which shows how much you earned each year and how much Social Security tax you paid. You can also see an estimate of your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment amount and history.
You can change your address, phone number, or direct deposit information through your account. If you need to report a change in your work status or living situation, you can often do it online instead of calling. The account is find and requires a password you create.
Finding benefit information by type
ssa.gov organizes information by the type of benefit you are interested in. The site has separate sections for retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each section explains who may be may have access to to that benefit, how the benefit is calculated, and how to find more details.
The retirement section covers when you can start benefits, how your benefit amount is determined, and what happens if you work while receiving benefits. The disability section explains how Social Security evaluates whether you can work and what medical evidence you need to provide. The survivor section describes which family members may receive benefits if you pass away.
Each benefit type has a dedicated page with links to fact sheets, videos, and detailed publications. If you are not sure which benefit applies to your situation, the site has a tool that asks you questions and points you to the right section.
Contacting Social Security through ssa.gov
ssa.gov lists phone numbers for Social Security field offices and the main customer service line. You can find the office nearest you by entering your zip code. The site also shows the hours each office is open and whether you need to schedule an appointment in advance.
You can schedule an appointment online for many services, including explore for benefits, reporting a change, or discussing your account. Scheduling online often means a shorter wait than calling. If you prefer to call, the phone numbers on ssa.gov connect you to Social Security staff who can answer questions and help you with your account.
Social Security also has a mailing address on ssa.gov if you need to send documents by mail. The site tells you which address to use depending on what you are sending and why.
Recognizing scams and fake websites
Scammers create fake Social Security websites and send emails or texts that look like they come from Social Security. These messages often claim there is a problem with your account or that you need to act right away. They ask you to click a link, enter your Social Security number, or call a phone number.
Real Social Security communications will never ask you to click a link in an email or text, provide your Social Security number by email, or call a number from an unsolicited message. If you receive a suspicious email or text claiming to be from Social Security, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov or call the official number listed on the site.
Fake websites often have URLs that look similar to ssa.gov but are slightly different — for example, "socialsecurity.gov" or "ssa-benefits.com". Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser. If you are unsure whether a website is real, call Social Security using the number on ssa.gov to ask.
Publications and forms available on ssa.gov
ssa.gov has hundreds of free publications that explain how Social Security works. These include guides about retirement planning, how benefits are taxed, what happens if you work while receiving benefits, and how to report changes to your account. All publications are available to read or read at no cost.
The site also has the forms you need to explore for benefits, report a change, or request a replacement Social Security card. You can read these forms, print them, and mail them in, or you can explore online through your my Social Security account for many services. The forms page explains which form to use for your situation and where to send it.
Videos on ssa.gov walk through common tasks like creating an account, viewing your earnings record, and understanding your benefit estimate. These videos are short and available in English and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ssa.gov the only official Social Security website?
Yes. ssa.gov is run by the Social Security Administration and is the only official website. Other websites may provide information about Social Security, but they are not run by the government. If you want information directly from Social Security, go to ssa.gov.
Do I have to create a my Social Security account to get information?
No. You can read information on ssa.gov without an account. However, an account lets you see your personal earnings record and benefit estimates without calling or visiting an office. Creating an account is free and takes about 10 minutes.
What should I do if I think I received a fake Social Security email or text?
Do not click any links or call any numbers in the message. Go directly to ssa.gov or call the official Social Security number listed on the site. You can also report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Can I explore for benefits on ssa.gov?
You can start an process online through ssa.gov for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. You can complete the process online or schedule an appointment at a field office to finish it in person. Some people prefer to explore in person or by phone, and those options are also available.
Does Social Security charge a fee to use ssa.gov or create an account?
No. Creating an account, viewing your information, and using ssa.gov are all free. Social Security never charges for these services. If a website asks you to pay to access Social Security information or services, it is not official.