Where to check your Social Security benefits

You can see your Social Security benefits information through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration. This is the fastest way to view your current benefit amount, payment history, and earnings record without calling or visiting an office.

If you do not have an online account, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative. They can tell you your benefit amount and answer questions about your account. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person, though this requires scheduling an appointment. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Key Takeaways

  • Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your benefit amount, payment date, and earnings history without waiting on hold.
  • You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — either a phone number, state ID, or bank account.
  • Your account shows your monthly benefit amount, when payments are deposited, and a record of all earnings credited to your account.
  • If you cannot create an online account, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative who can read your information over the phone.

Setting up a my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number or state ID number to verify who you are. The system will ask you security questions based on your credit history.

If you cannot answer the security questions — for example, if you have limited credit history — the system will offer other ways to verify your identity. You can use a state ID number, passport number, or bank account information. The verification process takes a few minutes and happens immediately.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to check your benefits. Social Security does not charge for this service.

What information you will see in your account

Your my Social Security account displays your monthly benefit amount, the date your payment is deposited each month, and your total lifetime earnings record. You can see which years Social Security counted toward your benefit calculation and which years had no earnings or low earnings.

The account also shows your payment history for the past 12 months, so you can verify that deposits arrived on the expected dates. If a payment is missing or incorrect, this record helps you report the problem to Social Security.

You can download a benefit verification letter from your account, which some employers, landlords, or government programs require as proof of your income. This letter includes your monthly benefit amount and is updated each time you log in.

Checking benefits if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you receive SSI rather than Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you can still create a my Social Security account and view some information. However, SSI accounts show less detail than retirement or disability accounts, and you cannot download a benefit verification letter through the portal.

For SSI account details, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Representatives can tell you your current monthly payment amount and answer questions about your case.

What to do if you cannot log in or create an account

If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page and follow the prompts to reset it. Social Security will send a link to your email address.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you have two options: call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to help you create an account over the phone, or visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your address. An employee can set up your account in person and help you log in for the first time.

If you do not have an email address, you can still call or visit an office to check your benefits. You do not need an online account to receive your payments or to contact Social Security.

Understanding your earnings record and benefit calculation

Your my Social Security account shows the earnings Social Security has on file for each year of your working life. These earnings are used to calculate your monthly benefit amount. If you see a year with missing or incorrect earnings, you should report it to Social Security as soon as possible, because it may affect your benefit.

Social Security typically has a record of your earnings within one year after you work. If you worked recently and do not see those earnings in your account yet, check again in a few months. If earnings are still missing after a year, contact Social Security with your W-2 form or pay stubs as proof.

Your benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you worked fewer than 35 years, Social Security counts zero-earnings years in the calculation, which lowers your benefit. This is why some people see their benefit amount increase if they continue working and replace a low-earnings or zero-earnings year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my Social Security account?

You can check anytime, but most people review their account once or twice a year to confirm their payment arrived and verify that earnings are recorded correctly. If you are still working, checking once a year after tax season (around April or May) lets you see if your current-year earnings have been added to your record.

Can I see my benefits if someone else manages my account?

If a representative payee or legal guardian manages your Social Security account, they can create a my Social Security account and view your information. You can also create your own account and view your benefits independently. If you have questions about who can access your account, call 1-800-772-1213.

What if my benefit amount looks wrong?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with details about what you think is incorrect — for example, missing earnings or an unexpected change in your payment amount. A representative can review your account and explain how your benefit was calculated. Bring any pay stubs or tax documents that show earnings Social Security may have missed.

Is my information safe on my Social Security account?

The my Social Security portal uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. You should use a strong password and not share your login details with anyone. If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213.

Can I check my benefits on a mobile phone?

Yes. The my Social Security portal works on phones and tablets. You can log in the same way you would on a computer. Social Security also offers a mobile app called "my Social Security" available through the Apple App Store and Google Play, though the website version has the same features.