What the Social Security Administration website does and does not do
The official Social Security Administration website is ssa.gov. It is the only place to create a my Social Security account, check your earnings record, and read official guidance about benefits. However, the website does not process new benefit claims — you file those through a separate process system, by phone, or in person at a local office.
The site contains public information about how Social Security works, benefit amounts, and what documents you need. It does not answer personalized questions about your specific situation. For that, you contact Social Security directly by phone, video, or in-person appointment.
Many fake websites copy the Social Security logo and layout to steal personal information. If you are unsure whether a site is real, type ssa.gov directly into your browser rather than clicking a link from an email or search result.
Key Takeaways
- The real Social Security website is ssa.gov, and you should type it directly into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or ads.
- You create a my Social Security account on ssa.gov to view your earnings record and benefit estimate, but you file actual claims through a separate process system.
- The website contains public information and forms, but does not answer questions about your individual case — you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office for that.
- Social Security offers video appointments and phone appointments in addition to in-person visits, which you can schedule through the website.
Creating and logging into your my Social Security account
A my Social Security account lets you view your earnings record, see your estimated benefit amount, and change your address or phone number without calling. To create one, go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link, usually near the top of the page.
You will need a Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The system may also ask for information from your credit history (like a previous address or loan amount) to confirm you are who you say you are. This verification step takes a few minutes.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your earnings history, which Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. You can also read a benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at different ages. This estimate is not a promise — it is based on your current earnings record and assumes you keep working until the age you choose.
Finding your local Social Security office and scheduling an appointment
Social Security has local offices in most towns and cities. To find yours, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator tool — you enter your city or zip code and it shows nearby locations, phone numbers, and hours. Some offices are open only certain days or have limited hours, so check before you go.
You can schedule an appointment three ways: online through the office locator, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by walking in during business hours. Online scheduling is usually fastest. When you schedule, you choose whether you want an in-person visit, a phone appointment, or a video appointment from home.
Bring documents with you or have them ready for a phone or video call. Social Security will tell you which documents you need when you schedule. Common ones include your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, and recent pay stubs or tax returns. If you are filing for benefits, you will also need your spouse's information if you are married.
Navigating the website to find forms and publications
Social Security publishes hundreds of forms and guides on ssa.gov. The most commonly used are Form SSA-1, which you file to claim retirement benefits; Form SSA-16, which you file to claim survivor benefits; and Form SSA-3368, which you file to claim disability benefits. Each form has instructions attached.
To find a form, use the search box at the top of ssa.gov and type the form number or what you are looking for — for example, "retirement benefits" or "how to report earnings." The search results show both forms and plain-language guides that explain how Social Security works.
The website also has a section called "Benefits" that breaks down retirement, disability, survivor, and supplemental security income benefits. Each section explains who is may be able to access, how much you might receive, and what happens when you reach full retirement age or return to work. These guides do not answer questions about your specific case, but they give you the rules that explore to everyone.
Understanding what information the website will and will not provide
The website tells you how Social Security calculates benefits, what the current full retirement age is, and how much you can earn before benefits are reduced. It does not tell you whether you personally are may be able to access, what your specific benefit amount will be, or what happens if you have a criminal record, immigration status, or other complication.
For personalized answers, you must contact Social Security directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers), schedule a video or phone appointment through the website, or visit your local office in person. Wait times on the phone are often long, especially early in the week and early in the month, so consider scheduling an appointment instead.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use a relay service or video relay service to call Social Security. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter at your appointment or on the phone.
Protecting yourself from fake Social Security websites
Scammers create websites that look almost identical to ssa.gov to steal your Social Security number, password, or bank information. They also send emails claiming to be from Social Security, asking you to "verify" your account or claiming your benefits have been suspended.
Social Security will never email you asking for your password, bank account, or personal information. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov by typing it into your browser, or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether the email is real.
Check the website address carefully. The real website is ssa.gov. Fake sites might use addresses like "socialsecurity.gov" (missing the "a"), "my-socialsecurity.com", or "ssa-benefits.net". If you are unsure, call Social Security to confirm.
What to do if you cannot access the website or need help
If ssa.gov is down or you are having trouble creating an account, you can still reach Social Security by phone 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 shortest on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoons.
If you have trouble with your my Social Security account — for example, you forgot your password or cannot verify your identity — the website has a help section that walks you through troubleshooting. You can also call the my Social Security support line at 1-833-772-1213 (this is different from the main Social Security number).
If you need help in person and cannot travel to an office, ask about a video appointment when you call. Video appointments work from your home computer or phone and let you speak with a Social Security representative face-to-face.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ssa.gov the same as my Social Security?
No. ssa.gov is the main Social Security Administration website with information about all benefits and programs. my Social Security is a specific account you create on that website to view your personal earnings record and benefit estimate. You access my Social Security by logging in through ssa.gov.
Can I file for benefits on the website?
You cannot file directly on ssa.gov. Instead, you use a separate process system called iClaim, which you reach through ssa.gov. You can also file by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local office. The website will direct you to the right process system based on which benefit you are claiming.
What if I do not have a computer or internet?
You can reach Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office in person. You do not need to use the website. Social Security staff can answer your questions, help you file, and send you forms by mail if you ask.
How do I know if a website claiming to be Social Security is real?
The real website is ssa.gov. Type this address directly into your browser rather than clicking links from emails or ads. If you are unsure whether a site is real, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask. Social Security will never email you asking for your password or personal information.
Can I change my benefit amount or filing decision on the website?
You can update your address, phone number, and direct deposit information through my Social Security. You cannot change your benefit amount or withdraw a claim through the website. For those changes, you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.