What a Social Security Administration Online Account Does
A Social Security Administration (SSA) online account, called my Social Security, lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office or calling. You create it at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and a password you set yourself.
The account shows your lifetime earnings history as Social Security has recorded it, which determines how much you will receive when you claim benefits. You can also see estimates of what your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits might be at different ages. If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment history and tax documents like your SSA-1099 form.
You do not need an online account to receive benefits — the SSA processes payments whether or not you log in. But the account saves you a trip to a field office or a wait on the phone if you need to update contact information, request a replacement Social Security card, or verify your earnings before you claim.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and a password you choose.
- The account displays your complete earnings record and estimates of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits at different claiming ages.
- You can update your address, phone number, and direct deposit information through your account without visiting an office.
- The SSA requires you to verify your identity using either a driver's license or passport before you can access your full account.
- If you cannot verify online, you can create a limited account that shows your benefit estimate but not your full earnings history.
How to Create Your Account
Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will enter your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. The SSA will ask you to create a password at least 12 characters long that includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #.
After you set your password, the SSA sends a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in that email within 24 hours to confirm your email address. Once confirmed, you can log in, but you will see only limited information until you verify your identity.
To unlock your full account, you must verify who you are. The SSA offers two paths: upload a photo of your driver's license or passport, or answer security questions based on your credit history. If you choose the document route, take clear photos of the front and back of your ID and upload them through the website. The SSA reviews these within a few minutes in most cases.
If you do not have a driver's license or passport, or if the SSA cannot verify your documents, you can answer security questions instead. These questions pull from your credit file and ask things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the name of your first car?" You must answer correctly to proceed.
What Information You Can Access
Once your account is verified, you can see your Social Security Statement, which lists your earnings year by year since you began working. The SSA uses these earnings to calculate your benefit amount, so checking for errors matters — if your employer reported your wages under the wrong name or number, those years may not count toward your benefit.
The account also shows benefit estimates for retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. The retirement estimate shows what you might receive if you claim at age 62, your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), or age 70. These are projections based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working at your current pace until you claim.
If you are already receiving benefits, your account displays your payment history — the date and amount of each deposit to your bank account. You can also read your SSA-1099 form (or SSA-1042S if you are not a U.S. citizen) for tax purposes. Some people need this form to file their taxes; others do not, depending on their total income.
You can view your representative payee information if someone else manages your benefits on your behalf, and you can see any work incentives you may be using if you receive disability benefits and are working.
Changes You Can Make Through Your Account
You can update your mailing address and phone number directly in your account. Changes take effect within a few days. If you move, updating your address through my Social Security is faster than calling or visiting an office.
You can also change your direct deposit information — the bank account where the SSA deposits your monthly payment. If you switch banks or want to split your payment between two accounts, you can make that change online. You will need your routing number and account number from your bank.
If your email address changes, you can update it in your account settings. The SSA uses your email to send you notifications about your account and to help you reset your password if you forget it.
You cannot claim benefits, request a replacement Social Security card, or appeal a decision through your online account. For those tasks, you will need to visit a field office, call 1-800-772-1213, or use the SSA's online services for specific requests like ordering a replacement card.
Identity Verification Methods and What Happens If You Cannot Verify
The SSA offers two main ways to verify your identity: upload a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), or answer security questions based on your credit file. Most people complete verification within minutes using the photo ID method.
If you cannot verify online — for example, if you do not have a driver's license or passport, or if the SSA's system cannot match your information to your credit file — you can create a limited account. A limited account shows you your benefit estimate and some basic information, but not your full earnings record or payment history.
To verify a limited account later, you can visit a Social Security field office in person with your ID, or call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to verify by phone. An SSA representative can verify you using information from your Social Security file and may ask questions about your work history or personal details.
Keeping Your Account find
Your my Social Security account holds sensitive information, so the SSA logs you out after 15 minutes of inactivity. If you step away from your computer, you will need to log in again when you return.
Use a password you do not use anywhere else, and do not share it with anyone — not even family members or SSA staff. The SSA will never ask for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the SSA and asks for your password, it is a scam.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready. Go to ssa.gov, select "Forgot Password," and follow the steps to create a new one. If you cannot log in or suspect fraud, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with an SSA representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a my Social Security account to receive benefits?
No. The SSA processes and deposits your benefits whether or not you have an online account. An account is optional and useful mainly if you want to check your earnings record, view your benefit estimate, or update your contact information without visiting an office.
What if I forget my password?
Go to ssa.gov and select "Forgot Password" on the login page. The SSA will send a password reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. If you no longer have access to your email address, call 1-800-772-1213 and an SSA representative can help you regain access to your account.
Can I see my earnings record if I have not verified my identity yet?
No. You must verify your identity to see your full earnings record and benefit estimates. You can create a limited account and see a basic benefit estimate, but the complete earnings history requires full verification using a photo ID or security questions.
How often should I check my earnings record?
The SSA recommends checking your record at least once a year, especially if you are within a few years of claiming benefits. If you spot an error — a year with no earnings when you worked, or earnings under a different name — contact the SSA to correct it. Errors can lower your benefit amount.
Can I claim benefits through my online account?
No. You must claim benefits by visiting a Social Security field office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or using the online process at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement. Your my Social Security account shows estimates only, not the actual claim process.