What a Social Security lookup tool does
A Social Security lookup tool lets you view your own Social Security record without visiting an office or calling. The main tool is my Social Security, a free account on the Social Security Administration website where you can see your earnings history, check how much you have paid in taxes, and view estimates of what you might receive at different ages.
You create an account using your Social Security number, name, date of birth, and email address. Once you log in, you can see a record that the Social Security Administration has built from your work history — the years you worked, how much you earned each year, and how much you contributed in Social Security and Medicare taxes.
This is different from explore for benefits or changing your account settings. A lookup is read-only: you are viewing information the agency already has about you, not submitting new information or requesting a decision.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security is the official Social Security Administration website where you can create a free account to view your earnings record and benefit estimates.
- You need a Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number, driver's license, or passport — to create an account.
- Your earnings history shows what the Social Security Administration has recorded for each year you worked, which directly affects how much you might receive later.
- Benefit estimates on the site show what you could receive at age 62, your full retirement age, or age 70, based on your current earnings record.
- If you cannot or do not want to create an online account, you can request a paper statement by mail or call 1-800-772-1213.
How to create a my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, name, date of birth, and email address. The Social Security Administration will then ask you to verify your identity.
Identity verification usually happens in one of two ways. The first is when ready: you answer security questions based on your credit history and financial records. The second is by mail: if you cannot answer the questions or do not have a credit history, the agency will mail you a verification code to the address on file, which you then enter online.
Once verified, you can log in and see your account. The entire process usually takes a few minutes if you can answer the security questions, or one to two weeks if you need the mail verification.
What information you can see in your account
Your earnings record shows each year you worked and how much you earned, along with how much you paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes. This record matters because your Social Security benefit amount is calculated from your highest 35 years of earnings. If you see a year missing or an amount that looks wrong, you can report it to the Social Security Administration.
Your benefit estimate shows what you might receive if you claim at age 62, at your full retirement age (which ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year), or at age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until the age you choose to claim. The estimate also shows your family members' potential benefits if you have a spouse or children.
You can also see your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) status if you receive it, your Medicare information, and any representative payee or work incentive details if they explore to your account.
Why your earnings record might not match what you remember
The Social Security Administration receives earnings reports from your employer each year. If your employer reported your earnings under the wrong name or Social Security number, or if they did not report them at all, those years will not appear on your record or will show a lower amount than you actually earned.
Self-employment income is reported when you file your tax return. If you were self-employed and did not file, or filed late, the Social Security Administration may not have received the report yet. There can be a lag of one to three years between when you earn the money and when it appears in your Social Security record.
If you spot an error, you can report it through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide documentation — usually a W-2, tax return, or pay stub — to prove what you actually earned.
Getting a benefit estimate without an online account
If you do not want to create an online account, you have two other options. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a benefit estimate over the phone. A representative will ask you questions about your work history and calculate an estimate based on your record.
You can also request a paper statement by mail. Fill out Form SSA-7050 on the Social Security Administration website and mail it to your local Social Security office. The agency will send you a statement showing your earnings history and benefit estimates. This process takes two to four weeks.
What to do if you cannot verify your identity online
If the security questions do not work — because you do not have a credit history, your credit file is locked, or the questions are based on information you do not recognize — the Social Security Administration will offer to mail you a verification code. This code arrives at the address on file with the agency, usually within one to two weeks.
Once you receive the code, you return to the my Social Security website, enter the code, and your account is activated. If you do not receive the code within the timeframe given, or if you need to verify your identity a different way, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see someone else's Social Security information?
No. My Social Security only shows your own record. You cannot look up another person's information, even a family member. If you are a representative payee or legal guardian, you may be able to access someone else's account, but you must be authorized by the Social Security Administration first.
Is my information safe on the my Social Security website?
The Social Security Administration uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. Your information is only visible when you log in with your password. The site does not store your Social Security number in plain text and requires identity verification before you can create an account.
How often should I check my earnings record?
The Social Security Administration suggests checking your record at least once a year to catch errors early. Errors are easier to correct if you report them within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the earnings were reported. After that window, correcting the record becomes harder.
What if my benefit estimate seems too low?
Your estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you stop working at the age you choose to claim. If you continue working and earning, your estimate may increase. You can also see how claiming at a different age changes your monthly amount — claiming later generally means a higher monthly benefit.
Can I update my information through my Social Security account?
You can update some information, like your email address or phone number. You cannot change your earnings record yourself — if you believe your earnings are wrong, you must report the error and provide documentation. You also cannot change your benefit claim status online; you must contact the Social Security Administration to explore for or change your benefits.