What you can do with a Social Security online account
You can view your Social Security statement, check your earnings record, and manage your account through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration. Once you log in, you can see your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits; review the wages Social Security has on file for you; and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.
You cannot file for benefits through my Social Security — you still need to do that by phone, in person, or through a video appointment — but you can prepare for it by reviewing your information ahead of time. You also cannot change your direct deposit details or request a replacement Social Security card online; those still require a phone call or office visit.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email address and a password you choose.
- The Social Security Administration verifies your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a one-time code to your phone or email.
- Your earnings record shows what wages Social Security has recorded under your number, and you should check it every few years for errors that could lower your future benefits.
- You can view your benefit estimate at any age, but the estimate becomes more accurate as you get closer to the age you plan to claim.
How to create your account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." Enter your email address, create a password, and provide your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. The Social Security Administration will then verify your identity before your account goes live.
Identity verification usually happens one of two ways. The system may ask you security questions based on your credit history — such as the name of a lender you've worked with or the amount of a past loan. If you don't have enough credit history or the system cannot verify you that way, Social Security will send a one-time code to your phone or email, which you enter to confirm your identity.
If verification fails, you can try again later or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity over the phone. Once your account is verified, you can log in anytime using your email address and password.
Understanding your earnings record
Your earnings record is the list of wages Social Security has on file for each year you worked. Social Security uses this record to calculate your retirement and disability benefits, so errors can reduce the amount you receive. You should review your record every few years and especially before you claim benefits.
When you log into my Social Security, select "Earnings Record" to see the wages reported for each year. If you spot a year with missing wages or an amount that looks wrong, you have three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of that year to report the error. To correct it, contact Social Security with your W-2, pay stub, or tax return as proof of the correct amount.
If you worked for a government employer and paid into a pension instead of Social Security, your earnings record may show a $0 for those years. This is correct — Social Security only records wages from jobs where you paid Social Security tax.
Viewing your benefit estimate
My Social Security shows you an estimate of your monthly retirement benefit at your full retirement age, your disability benefit if you became unable to work today, and your family's survivor benefits if you died today. These are projections based on your current earnings record and the assumption that you will earn at a similar level until you claim.
The estimate becomes more accurate as you approach the age you plan to claim. If you are still working, the estimate updates each year after Social Security receives your tax records, usually in September or October. If you plan to claim soon, your estimate will be closer to your actual benefit than if you are decades away from claiming.
The estimate does not account for changes in Social Security law, future earnings increases, or the impact of claiming early or late. It is a starting point for planning, not a may provide of what you will receive.
Changing your personal information
You can update your address, phone number, and email address through my Social Security without calling or visiting an office. Log in, select "Personal Information," and make your changes. Updates usually take effect within a few days.
You cannot change your name, date of birth, or Social Security number online. If you need to update any of those, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office with proof of your identity and the change you want to make.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forget your password, select "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. Social Security will send a link to your email address. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you will need to create a new account with a different email address.
If you cannot verify your identity during account creation, try again in a few days — the system's access to credit data can vary. If verification continues to fail, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to verify your identity by phone. An agent can then create your account for you or help you regain access to an existing account.
If you believe someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call Social Security to report the issue. You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to protect against identity theft.
Security and privacy on my Social Security
My Social Security uses encryption to protect your information when you log in and view your data. Your password should be unique and strong — at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not share your password with anyone, including Social Security employees.
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 and asking for your login details, it is a scam — delete it and report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
You can add extra security to your account by enabling two-factor authentication, which requires a code from your phone or email each time you log in from a new device. This option is available in your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for benefits through my Social Security account?
No. You can view your benefit estimate and prepare your information, but you must file by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or scheduling a video appointment through ssa.gov. Filing by phone or video is usually faster than in-person visits.
How often does my earnings record update?
Social Security receives wage reports from employers throughout the year, but your complete earnings record for a tax year usually updates in September or October after the IRS sends final wage data. If you see missing wages, wait until October before reporting an error.
What if my benefit estimate seems too low?
Your estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you will earn at a similar level until you claim. If you expect to earn more, work longer, or claim at a different age than the estimate assumes, your actual benefit may be different. You can adjust the estimate's assumptions by contacting Social Security directly.
Is my information safe on my Social Security?
My Social Security uses encryption and requires a password to log in. However, no online system is completely risk-free. Use a strong, unique password, never share your login details, and enable two-factor authentication if available. Report any suspicious activity to Social Security when ready.
Can I access my account from my phone?
Yes. My Social Security works on phones and tablets through a web browser. There is no official Social Security app — if you see one in an app store, it is not from the Social Security Administration. Always go directly to ssa.gov to access your account.