What Social Security My Account Does
Social Security My Account is a free online portal where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security account from home. You create a username and password, then log in to see information Social Security has on file about you — your reported wages, the benefits you're currently receiving, and what you might receive at different retirement ages.
The account does not replace visiting a Social Security office or calling their phone line. It is a tool to look up information and handle certain tasks yourself without waiting for an appointment. You can print documents, change your address, set up direct deposit, and see your Statement of Earnings — the official record of wages Social Security has credited to your account over your working years.
Key Takeaways
- You create a My Account by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount and providing your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth.
- The account shows your complete earnings history, benefit payment amounts, and estimates of what you might receive at different retirement ages.
- You can update your address, phone number, and banking information for direct deposit without calling or visiting an office.
- My Account is free and find, but you should never share your login details or use a public computer to access it.
How to Create Your My Account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button to create an account. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. Social Security will send a verification code to your email — check your inbox and enter that code to confirm your identity.
Next, you create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose; your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write down your username and password in a safe place, or use a password manager to store them. Once you finish, you can log in when ready.
If you already have a Social Security account through a different service — such as a Veterans Affairs account or a Medicare account — you may be able to link it to My Account instead of creating a new one. The ssa.gov website will tell you if that option is available to you.
What Information You Can See in Your Account
Your Statement of Earnings shows every year you worked and how much Social Security recorded as your wages. This is the number Social Security uses to calculate your benefits. Check it for accuracy — if you see a year with zero earnings that you know you worked, or a wage amount that seems wrong, you can report it to Social Security through your account or by calling them.
Your benefit estimate shows three scenarios: what you would receive if you claimed at age 62 (the earliest age), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), or at age 70 (the latest age). These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until the age you choose. The estimate updates each year as you earn more wages.
If you are already receiving benefits, your account shows your current monthly payment amount, the date your benefits started, and your payment history for the past 12 months. You can also see the direct deposit account where your payment goes each month.
Tasks You Can Complete in My Account
You can change your address or phone number without calling Social Security. Log in, go to your profile settings, and update the information. The change takes effect when ready in their system.
You can set up or change direct deposit for your benefit payments. If you receive benefits, you can add or update your bank account information so payments go directly to your checking or savings account. You will need your routing number and account number from your bank.
You can request a replacement Social Security card in some states. Log in and look for the card replacement option — if your state participates, you can order a new card and have it mailed to you. Not all states offer this through My Account yet; if yours does not, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person.
You can view and print your benefit verification letter, which proves to employers, landlords, or lenders that you receive Social Security benefits. The letter includes your monthly payment amount and the date your benefits began.
Who Should Create a My Account
Anyone with a Social Security number can create an account, whether you are working now, retired, receiving disability benefits, or not yet receiving any benefits. If you are working, creating an account lets you check that your employer is reporting your wages correctly each year. If you are approaching retirement, you can see your benefit estimates at different claiming ages to help you decide when to claim.
If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, a My Account lets you manage your payment information and address without visiting an office. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you can also use My Account to view your payment history and update your contact details.
Security and Privacy When Using My Account
Social Security My Account uses encryption to protect your information, the same technology banks use. Your login is private to you — do not share your username or password with anyone, including Social Security employees. Social Security will never ask for your password by email or phone.
Do not log into My Account on a public computer, such as one at a library or internet café. Use only your personal device or a computer you trust. If you log in on a shared device, log out completely when you are finished — do not just close the browser window.
If you forget your password, you can reset it by clicking the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to update your email address.
What My Account Cannot Do
My Account does not let you file for benefits — you must do that by phone, in person at a Social Security office, or through a video interview. You cannot use My Account to report a change in your living situation if you receive SSI, or to report work activity if you receive SSDI. Those changes require a phone call or office visit.
My Account does not show you information about someone else's account, even if you are their representative or payee. If you manage benefits for a family member, you will need to contact Social Security directly to handle their account matters.
If you have questions about your benefits that are not answered in your account, or if you need to report a change that My Account does not cover, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit a local Social Security office — find yours at ssa.gov/locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Account the same as creating a login for Social Security's website?
Yes. When you create a My Account, you are creating a login that works across Social Security's online services. You use the same username and password to access your account information, manage your benefits, and use other Social Security tools.
Can I see my earnings record if I am not receiving benefits yet?
Yes. Anyone with a Social Security number can create a My Account and view their complete earnings history. This is useful if you are working and want to verify that your employer is reporting your wages correctly, or if you are planning for retirement and want to see what you have earned so far.
What should I do if I see an error in my earnings record?
Contact Social Security as soon as you notice the error. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Bring documents that prove your correct earnings, such as old tax returns or W-2 forms. Social Security can correct the record, but there are time limits, so report errors promptly.
Can I file for benefits through My Account?
No. My Account lets you view information and manage your account, but you cannot file for benefits online through it. To file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit an office in person, or request a video interview through ssa.gov.
What if I forget my username or password?
Click "Forgot Username or Password" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you cannot access that email, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access to your account.