What you can do on socialsecurity.gov

The official Social Security website at socialsecurity.gov is where you can create an account, check your earnings record, see your estimated benefits, and manage your Social Security claim online. You do not need to visit an office or call a phone line to do most of these tasks — you can do them from home on your computer or phone, any time of day.

The site lets you view your Social Security Statement (the document that shows your work history and benefit estimates), request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of a claim you have already filed, and change your address or direct deposit information. If you have already started receiving benefits, you can also view your payment history and tax documents like your SSA-1099.

You will need to create a my Social Security account to access most of these features. This is a free account that uses your email address and a password you create. Once you log in, the site shows information specific to your work record and benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account with your email and a password, and the site then shows your personal earnings record and benefit estimates without visiting an office.
  • The Social Security Statement on the site shows your work history, how much you have paid into Social Security, and what your benefits might be at different ages.
  • You can file a claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits entirely online through socialsecurity.gov, and you can check the status of a claim you have already filed.
  • The site lets you request a replacement Social Security card, update your address, change your direct deposit, and read tax documents like your SSA-1099.
  • If you cannot create an account online, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office, but the online route is usually faster.

Creating your my Social Security account

Go to socialsecurity.gov and look for the "Sign In or Create an Account" button, usually near the top right of the page. Click "Create an Account." You will need your email address, a password, and answers to security questions based on your credit history (such as "What was the original amount of your car loan?"). Social Security uses these questions to verify you are who you say you are.

The site will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. Click the link in that email to finish setting up your account. Once you are logged in, you will see a dashboard with links to your statement, your benefits, and other services. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you cannot answer the security questions because you do not have a credit history or the questions do not match your records, you can still create an account by mail or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to bring a photo ID, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and proof of your Social Security number (such as a W-2 or tax return).

Viewing your Social Security Statement and earnings record

Once you are logged into your account, click "View Your Statement" to see your Social Security Statement. This document shows your complete work history — every year you worked and how much you paid into Social Security. It also shows your estimated monthly benefit amount at three different ages: 62 (the earliest you can claim), your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and 70 (the latest you should wait).

The earnings record on the statement is important to check for mistakes. If you see a year where you worked but no earnings are listed, or the amount is wrong, you should report it to Social Security. You have a limited time to correct old earnings records — usually three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year in which you earned the money. If you find an error, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with your W-2s or tax returns as proof.

The benefit estimates on your statement assume you will keep working until the age you claim. If you plan to retire earlier or later, the actual amount you receive will be different. The estimates also assume current law stays the same — Congress can change Social Security rules at any time.

Filing a claim online

You can file a claim for retirement benefits, disability benefits, or survivor benefits directly through socialsecurity.gov without visiting an office. To start, log into your account and look for the "File for Benefits" or "explore for Benefits" button on your dashboard. The site will ask you questions about your work history, your family, and your living situation.

The online form usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete. You will need basic information like your name, date of birth, and Social Security number, plus details about any spouse or children who might also be may have access to to benefits. You do not need to have all your documents ready before you start — you can save your progress and come back later.

After you submit your claim, Social Security will send you a confirmation number. You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging back into your account and clicking "Check Your process Status." The status page tells you what documents Social Security has received and what they still need from you. Processing time varies — some claims are approved in weeks, while others take several months if Social Security needs to verify information.

Requesting a replacement Social Security card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement through socialsecurity.gov without visiting an office. Log into your account, find the "Social Security Card" section, and follow the prompts to request a new card. You will need to confirm your identity by answering security questions.

The site will ask whether you want the card mailed to your current address on file or to a different address. A replacement card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need it faster, you can visit a local Social Security office in person — they can issue a temporary document while your card is being printed.

In some states, you can also request a replacement card through your state's motor vehicles department if you are renewing your driver's license. Check your state's DMV website to see if this option is available where you live.

Managing your benefits and payment information

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you can log into your account to view your payment history, see how much you received each month, and read tax documents. Click "Manage Your Benefits" to update your direct deposit information, change your mailing address, or report a change in your living situation (such as moving out of the country or getting married).

You can also read your SSA-1099 tax form from the site if you need it for your tax return. This form shows how much Social Security you received in the previous year and how much federal income tax was withheld, if any. The form is usually available in January for the previous tax year.

If you need to report a change that is not available online — such as a name change due to marriage or a change in your citizenship status — you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.

When you cannot use the website

Some situations require you to contact Social Security directly rather than use the website. If you are explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a needs-based program for people with low income and limited resources, you must explore in person or by phone — the website does not have an online form for SSI.

If you are a non-citizen or do not have a U.S. mailing address, you may not be able to create an online account. You can still file a claim by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local office. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.

The website is usually available 24 hours a day, but Social Security performs maintenance on the site most nights between midnight and 6 a.m. Eastern time. If you cannot log in during those hours, try again later in the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my information safe on socialsecurity.gov?

The site uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. However, you should never share your password with anyone, and you should log out when you are done using the site, especially on a shared computer. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

What if I forget my password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password to the email address you used when you created your account. If you do not have access to that email address anymore, you can create a new account with a different email address, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity over the phone.

Can I file a claim for someone else, like a family member?

You cannot file a claim for another adult through the website. However, if you are a parent or legal guardian filing on behalf of a minor child, you can include them in your claim when you file for your own benefits. For other situations, contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.

How long does it take to get approved after I file online?

Processing time varies depending on the type of claim and whether Social Security needs to verify information with your employer, doctor, or other sources. Retirement claims often take a few weeks, while disability claims can take several months. You can check your claim status anytime by logging into your account.

What if the earnings on my statement are wrong?

Contact Social Security as soon as you notice the error. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with documents like W-2s or tax returns that show the correct amount. Social Security has a time limit to correct old earnings, so do not wait.