Where to check your Social Security benefits online

You can see your Social Security benefits through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password, or create a new account using your email address and Social Security number.

Once logged in, you can view your current monthly benefit amount, your payment history for the past 12 months, and your earnings record. The site also shows your next scheduled payment date and the bank account where deposits go. You do not need to call or visit an office to see this information.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with a representative who can read your benefit information over the phone. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount shows your monthly benefit amount, payment dates, and the last 12 months of deposits without creating a separate account if you use sign-in.gov credentials.
  • You can see your lifetime earnings record and verify that Social Security has credited your work history correctly, which affects your future or current benefit amount.
  • Payment history on the site displays the exact date and amount of each deposit, useful for tracking if a payment is late or for your own records.
  • If you cannot access the online portal, calling 1-800-772-1213 gives you the same information over the phone, though wait times vary by time of day.

What information appears in your benefit statement

Your benefit statement shows your current monthly payment amount, which is the fixed sum you receive each month unless you have pending changes (such as a cost-of-living adjustment or a change in your work status). It also displays your next payment date and the method of payment — usually direct deposit to a bank account or prepaid debit card.

The payment history section lists every deposit for the past 12 months, with the date and amount. This is useful if you need to verify a payment arrived or if you are tracking income for taxes or other purposes. If a payment is missing or incorrect, this history is the first place to check.

Your earnings record shows the wages Social Security has on file for each year you worked. This is important because your benefit amount is calculated based on your 35 highest-earning years. If Social Security has missed crediting wages from a particular year — for example, if your employer reported your earnings late — you can see it here and request a correction.

Creating and securing your my Social Security account

To set up an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity. Social Security uses sign-in.gov, a secure federal login system, to confirm who you are. You may be asked to verify your identity through a video call or by answering security questions based on your credit history.

Once your account is created, you can log in anytime to check your benefits. Social Security recommends using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication if the option is available. Do not share your login information with anyone, including Social Security employees — the agency will never ask for your password.

If you forget your password, you can reset it through the sign-in.gov website. If you cannot verify your identity online, you can visit a local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and your Social Security card to set up your account or request the information you need.

Reading your payment history and spotting errors

Your payment history shows deposits in reverse chronological order — the most recent payment first. Each entry includes the payment date (when the money was sent to your account) and the amount. Most Social Security payments are sent on the third of each month, though the exact date depends on your birth date and whether you receive Supplemental Security Income along with Social Security.

If you notice a payment is missing, check the date carefully. Social Security sometimes delays payments by a few days if there is a holiday or weekend. If a payment is more than a week late, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Have your account information and the expected payment date ready when you call.

If the amount of a payment is lower than usual, it may be because taxes were withheld, a representative payee took a portion, or your benefit changed. My Social Security does not always explain why a single payment differs, so if you are unsure, call Social Security to ask. Errors in payment amounts are less common than missing payments, but they do happen and should be reported.

Checking your earnings record for accuracy

Your earnings record is the list of wages Social Security has credited to your account for each year you worked. Your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years, so errors in this record can lower your benefit. You can view your earnings record on my Social Security by clicking on "Earnings Record" in the account menu.

Compare the earnings shown to your own tax records or pay stubs. If you see a year with no earnings when you know you worked, or if the amount is significantly lower than what you earned, you may need to request a correction. Social Security has a deadline for correcting errors — generally three years, three months, and 15 days after the year in which the wages were earned — so do not wait if you spot a mistake.

To request a correction, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. You will need to provide proof of the correct earnings, such as a W-2 form, tax return, or a letter from your employer. Social Security will contact your former employer to verify the wages if needed.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you are having trouble logging into my Social Security, first try resetting your password through sign-in.gov. If that does not work, the sign-in.gov website has a help section that walks through common problems. You can also create a new account if your old one is not working.

If you cannot verify your identity online — for example, if your credit history is too limited or you have a name change on file — you can visit a Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID, your Social Security card, and proof of your current address. An employee can print your benefit statement and payment history for you on the spot.

You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now require an appointment, so call ahead or check the website before you go. If you are homebound or unable to visit, you can request that Social Security mail your statement to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my payment history update?

My Social Security updates your payment history within one to three business days after a deposit is made to your account. If you do not see a recent payment listed, wait a few days and check again. If it still does not appear after a week, contact Social Security.

Can I see my benefit amount before I start receiving payments?

Yes. If you have not yet started receiving Social Security, my Social Security will show your estimated benefit amount based on your current earnings record and your expected claim age. This estimate changes as you earn more wages or as your claim date approaches.

What if my earnings record shows wages I did not earn?

Contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. Incorrect wages on your record could indicate identity theft. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if the wages are not yours. You may also want to check your credit report and contact the IRS if you suspect fraud.

Is my information safe on my Social Security?

My Social Security uses encryption and the federal sign-in.gov system to protect your account. However, no online system is completely risk-free. Never share your login credentials, and log out when you are done. If you see suspicious activity on your account, change your password and call Social Security.

Can someone else view my benefits if they have my Social Security number?

No. To log into my Social Security, a person must verify their identity through sign-in.gov, which requires more than just your Social Security number. However, if someone has your Social Security number and other personal information, they could attempt identity theft. Monitor your account regularly and report any suspicious activity to Social Security.