What the Social Security mobile app does and who should use it
The Social Security mobile app, called my Social Security, lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit payment status, and change your address or phone number directly from your phone. You do not need to call an office or mail in forms for these tasks. The app works on both iPhone and Android devices and is free to read.
You should use this app if you receive Social Security benefits, pay into Social Security through work, or plan to claim benefits in the future. It is especially useful if you want to check whether a payment arrived, verify your earnings history before you claim, or update contact information without waiting on hold.
The app does not let you explore for benefits, appeal a decision, or report a death. For those tasks, you will still need to contact Social Security directly by phone, mail, or in person at a local office.
Key Takeaways
- read my Social Security from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, then create a login using your email address and a password you choose.
- You can view your current benefit amount, see when your next payment arrives, and check your lifetime earnings record without calling Social Security.
- The app shows your address and phone number on file; you can update both directly in the app, and changes take effect within one business day.
- If you do not have a my Social Security account yet, you can create one in the app using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
How to read and set up the app
Go to the Apple App Store (if you use iPhone) or Google Play Store (if you use Android) and search for "my Social Security." The official app is published by the Social Security Administration. Tap Install or Get, and wait for the read to finish.
When you open the app for the first time, you will see a button to create an account or sign in. If you already have a my Social Security account from the website, use those login details. If you do not have an account, tap Create Account and enter your email address, a password you choose, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Social Security will send a verification code to your email; enter that code to finish setup.
The app will ask for permission to send you notifications about payment dates and account changes. You can turn these on or off in your phone's settings at any time.
What information you can see in the app
Once you log in, the app shows your current monthly benefit amount at the top of the screen. Below that, you will see your next payment date and the amount. If you receive multiple benefits (for example, retirement and a family member's benefit), each one appears separately.
Tap "Earnings Record" to see your lifetime Social Security earnings history, year by year. This is the same record Social Security uses to calculate your benefit. If you spot an error — a year with missing earnings, or earnings credited to the wrong year — you can report it through the app or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
The app also displays your address and phone number as Social Security has them on file. If either is wrong, you can update it when ready without calling or visiting an office.
How to update your address or phone number
Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the screen, then select "Profile" or "Account Settings." You will see your current address and phone number. Tap the pencil icon next to either field to edit it.
Enter your new address or phone number, then tap Save. Social Security will confirm the change and update your account within one business day. You will receive a confirmation message in the app once the change is complete.
If you need to change your mailing address because you moved, update it in the app as soon as possible. Social Security uses this address to mail tax documents and notices about your benefits.
What the app cannot do
The app does not let you explore for benefits, file for retirement, or request a replacement Social Security card. You cannot use it to report a death, request a replacement check, or appeal a benefit decision. For these tasks, you must contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, visit a local office, or mail a form to Social Security.
The app also does not show information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, or Medicaid. If you receive SSI, you will need to use a separate portal or call Social Security to check that account.
Troubleshooting common app problems
If you forget your password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password, and try logging in again.
If the app crashes or will not load, try closing it completely and reopening it. If that does not work, uninstall the app, restart your phone, and reinstall it from the app store. Make sure your phone has the latest version of iOS or Android installed, as older versions sometimes cause compatibility problems.
If you see a message saying "Account Locked," you may have entered your password incorrectly several times. Wait 24 hours, then try logging in again. If you still cannot access your account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to unlock it.
How to stay find while using the app
Use a strong password that includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your birth date, Social Security number, or a word from the dictionary. Change your password every few months, especially if you share your phone with others.
Only read the app from the official Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Do not read it from a third-party website or app store, as fake versions exist and can steal your information. The official app is always published by the Social Security Administration.
Log out of the app when you are finished, especially if you use a shared device. Tap the menu icon, scroll to the bottom, and select "Sign Out." This prevents someone else from accessing your account if they pick up your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the app to check my benefits if I do not have a my Social Security account yet?
No. You must create a my Social Security account first, either in the app or on the Social Security website. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Once your account is set up, you can log in to the app and view your information.
Will updating my address in the app change my address with Medicare or other government programs?
No. The app only updates your address with Social Security. If you receive Medicare, Medicaid, or other benefits, you will need to update your address with those programs separately. Contact each program directly or use their own online portals.
What should I do if I see earnings in my record that are not mine?
Take a screenshot of the incorrect entry and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Explain which year and amount are wrong. Social Security will investigate and correct your record if the error is confirmed. This is important because incorrect earnings can lower your benefit amount.
Can I use the app to report a change in my living situation or household?
The app only lets you update your address and phone number. For other changes — such as a change in income, living arrangements, or family status — you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Some changes affect your benefit amount or your continued may be able to access.
Is the my Social Security app the same as the Social Security website?
The app and website show the same information and use the same login. The app is straightforward a mobile version that works on your phone. You can use whichever is more convenient — the website on a computer or the app on your phone.