Social Security.gov is the official website where you can find information directly from the Social Security Administration
Social Security.gov is the only website run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the federal agency that manages Social Security. It is where you find official information about how Social Security works, what documents you need, how benefits are calculated, and how to manage your account. The site does not sell anything, does not charge fees, and does not ask you to explore through it — it is purely informational and a place to access your own records.
The SSA also runs my Social Security, a separate find portal within Social Security.gov where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage your account online. This is different from the general information pages on the main site.
Many third-party websites copy information from Social Security.gov or add their own services on top of it. Knowing what is actually on the official site helps you avoid confusion and protects you from sites that charge money for free information.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security.gov is run by the Social Security Administration and is the only official source for Social Security information and account access.
- My Social Security is a find login portal within the site where you can view your earnings history, check your benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number.
- The site has separate sections for retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), each with its own may be able to access rules and benefit amounts.
- You can create a my Social Security account using your email, phone number, and Social Security number, and you can set up two-factor authentication for security.
What you can do on Social Security.gov without logging in
The public pages of Social Security.gov contain information about how each type of benefit works, who can receive it, how much you might get, and what documents you need. You can read about retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) without creating an account. These pages explain the rules, not your personal situation.
The site also has a benefit calculator tool that lets you enter your birth year, current earnings, and expected retirement age to see an estimate of what your retirement benefit might be. This calculator is based on your actual earnings record only if you log in; without logging in, it uses average earnings assumptions.
You can also search for your local Social Security office, find phone numbers and hours, and read about what to bring to an appointment. The site lists field offices by state and city.
How to create and use a my Social Security account
To access your personal information — your earnings record, benefit estimates, and account settings — you need to create a my Social Security account. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and phone number. The SSA will send you a verification code by text or email to confirm your identity.
Once you log in, you can view your complete earnings history as the SSA has it on record. This is important because your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you see missing years or incorrect amounts, you can report them to the SSA through the site or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
In your my Social Security account, you can also see an estimate of what your retirement benefit will be at different ages (62, full retirement age, or 70), what your family members might receive if you pass away, and what you might receive if you become disabled. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and the rules in effect when you check.
You can change your address, phone number, and email in your account without calling or visiting an office. You can also set up two-factor authentication, which adds a second security step when you log in.
Sections of the site for different types of benefits
Social Security.gov has separate sections for each type of benefit because the rules, amounts, and requirements are different. The retirement section explains when you can start benefits (as early as 62 or as late as 70), how your benefit is calculated, and how working affects your benefits. The disability section covers Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and explains the medical and work requirements. The survivor section describes what your family members can receive if you pass away. The SSI section covers Supplemental Security Income, which is a needs-based program separate from Social Security.
Each section has a "How to" guide that walks through the steps to understand your options. These guides are written in plain language and include examples.
Finding answers to specific questions
Social Security.gov has a search box at the top of every page. You can type a question in plain language — "when can I start benefits," "what documents do I need," "how is my benefit calculated" — and the site will show you relevant pages. The search results are ranked by how closely they match your question.
The site also has a frequently asked questions section organized by topic. If you cannot find what you need through search, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. The site has a field office locator where you enter your city or zip code and see offices near you, along with their hours and phone numbers. Some offices require an appointment; you can schedule one through the site or by phone.
How Social Security.gov differs from other websites
Many websites offer information about Social Security, and some charge money for services like filling out forms or reviewing your account. Social Security.gov is free and run by the government. No legitimate Social Security service costs money — the SSA does not charge to create an account, review your record, or file for benefits.
Third-party sites sometimes add features that Social Security.gov does not have, such as side-by-side comparisons of what you would receive at different ages, or tools that factor in life expectancy or taxes. These can be useful for planning, but they are not official and may use different assumptions than the SSA does.
If you are unsure whether a website is official, check the web address. The official site is ssa.gov or socialsecurity.gov. Be cautious of sites with similar names or sites that ask for payment for information or services.
Security and privacy on Social Security.gov
Your my Social Security account is encrypted, meaning your information is scrambled so that only you and the SSA can read it. The SSA recommends using a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols — and enabling two-factor authentication, which requires a second step (usually a code sent to your phone) when you log in.
The SSA 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 password or personal information, it is a scam. Do not click links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov by typing the address into your browser.
Your earnings record and benefit estimates are private. Only you can see them unless you give someone else permission by adding them to your account (some people do this to help a family member manage their benefits).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Social Security.gov the same as my Social Security?
No. Social Security.gov is the main website with public information about all types of benefits. My Social Security is a find login portal within that site where you view your personal earnings record and account. You do not need a my Social Security account to read information on Social Security.gov, but you do need one to see your own benefit estimates and earnings history.
Can I file for benefits on Social Security.gov?
You can start the process on the site — it will ask you questions and collect information — but you cannot complete the entire filing online. You will need to speak with the SSA by phone or in person to finish. The site will tell you when you need to do this and how to schedule an appointment or call.
What if I find an error in my earnings record on Social Security.gov?
You can report it through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide proof of your earnings, such as old tax returns or W-2 forms. The SSA has a important date for correcting errors, so report them as soon as you notice them.
Do I need a my Social Security account to check my benefit estimate?
You can use the public benefit calculator on Social Security.gov without logging in, but it will use average earnings assumptions instead of your actual record. If you create a my Social Security account, the estimate will be based on your real earnings history and will be more accurate.
What should I do if I think my Social Security.gov account has been hacked?
Change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication if you have not already. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report the issue. The SSA can help you find your account and check whether anyone has made changes to your information.