What You Can Do on My Social Security
My Social Security is the Social Security Administration's official website where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage your account without visiting an office or calling. You create a personal account at ssa.gov/myaccount, sign in with your username and password, and then access information about your specific Social Security record.
The site shows you what Social Security has on file about your work history and earnings. It displays an estimate of what your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits might be based on your current age and work record. You can also use it to request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, report a change in your work status, and view your Social Security Statement — a document that lists your earnings year by year.
My Social Security does not process new claims for benefits. If you need to file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you must use a separate application process, either online through a different portal, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security lets you view your earnings record and see an estimate of your future benefits without leaving home.
- You must create an account with a username, password, and identity verification before you can see any of your information.
- The site shows what Social Security has recorded about your work history, which may differ from what you remember — checking it early gives you time to correct errors.
- My Social Security does not file new benefit claims; you must use a separate application if you want to start receiving benefits.
- If you lose access to your account, you can reset your password or create a new account using the same email address.
How to Create and Access Your Account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need a valid email address, a username you choose, and a password. Social Security will send you a confirmation email; click the link in that email to verify your address.
After you confirm your email, Social Security asks you to verify your identity. This usually happens in real time on the website. You will answer questions about your personal history — past addresses, loan amounts, or other details from your credit file — to prove you are who you say you are. If the system cannot verify you immediately, it may mail you a verification code to your address on file, which takes five to seven business days.
Once your identity is verified, you can sign in and see your account. The process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes if identity verification succeeds right away. If you have to wait for a mailed code, add five to seven days.
What Information Appears in Your Account
Your earnings record shows every year you worked and how much you earned in each year, according to what your employer reported to Social Security. This is the foundation for calculating your benefits. If you see years missing, or earnings that seem too low, you should investigate — Social Security can only count earnings that are in their system.
Your benefit estimate shows a projected monthly amount for retirement benefits at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70), as well as estimates for disability and survivor benefits. These are projections based on your current work record and assume you continue working until the age shown. The estimate updates each time you sign in if your earnings have changed.
Your Social Security Statement is a formal document listing your earnings history year by year, your estimated benefits, and information about how benefits work. You can view it online or request a printed copy be mailed to you.
Correcting Errors in Your Earnings Record
If you see earnings that are missing or wrong, you have a limited window to correct them. Social Security generally requires corrections within three years, three months, and 15 days after the year in which the earnings were reported. After that window closes, you cannot change the record unless you have original documents from your employer.
To report an error, print your earnings record from My Social Security and contact your local Social Security office by phone or in person. Bring documents that prove your earnings — W-2 forms, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. Do not rely on email or online messages to report earnings errors; Social Security requires you to contact them directly by phone or office visit.
Errors in your record matter because Social Security calculates your benefits based on your 35 highest-earning years. A missing year or underreported earnings can lower your benefit amount permanently. If you worked but Social Security has no record of it, correcting that now — before you file for benefits — prevents a lower payment later.
Requesting a Replacement Social Security Card
My Social Security lets you request a replacement card if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. You answer a few questions to confirm your identity, and Social Security mails a new card to your address on file. The card arrives in seven to 10 business days.
You can request a replacement only if you are a U.S. citizen or have a valid visa or work permit. If your name has changed, you will need to provide a document showing the legal change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. My Social Security cannot process name changes online; you must visit a local office or call for that.
There is no fee for a replacement card. If you need the card faster than seven to 10 days, you must visit a local Social Security office in person.
Reporting Changes to Your Account
My Social Security lets you report certain changes without calling or visiting an office. You can update your mailing address, phone number, and email address. You can also report that you have returned to work, stopped working, or changed your work status — information Social Security needs if you are already receiving benefits, because it affects whether your benefits continue or change.
Some changes cannot be reported online. If you need to report a death, a change in citizenship status, or a change in your living situation (such as moving into a care facility), you must contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.
Changes you report through My Social Security take effect immediately in the system, though it may take a few days for the change to show in your account or affect your payment.
Troubleshooting Access and Security
If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Forgot your password?" Social Security sends a reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.
If you forget your username, you can create a new account using the same email address. Social Security will recognize the email and ask whether you want to use your existing account or create a new one. Choose your existing account, and you can set a new username.
If you cannot verify your identity when you first try to create an account, Social Security will mail a verification code to your address on file. This takes five to seven business days. Once you receive the code, return to ssa.gov/myaccount, enter the code, and your account will be activated.
Do not share your username, password, or personal information with anyone. Social Security employees will never ask for your password by email or phone. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to verify your account or update your information, do not click any links — instead, go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount by typing the address into your browser.
When You Cannot Use My Social Security
My Social Security is a view-only tool for most purposes. You cannot file a new claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits through My Social Security. You must use a separate online application, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office to file.
You also cannot appeal a decision, request a hearing, or submit medical evidence through My Social Security. If Social Security has denied your claim or you disagree with a decision, you must contact your local office or call the number on your notice letter.
If you need to report a change that My Social Security does not allow — such as a name change, a change in citizenship, or a report of death — call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Social Security safe to use?
My Social Security uses encryption and identity verification to protect your information. Social Security employees cannot see your password. However, you are responsible for keeping your username and password private. If someone else knows your password, they can view your earnings record and benefit estimate. Change your password immediately if you think someone else has access to your account.
Can I see my benefit amount before I file?
Yes. My Social Security shows an estimate of your monthly benefit at different ages. This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you continue working until the age shown. The actual amount you receive may differ if your earnings change, if you work longer or shorter than expected, or if you file at a different age than the estimate assumes.
What if Social Security has my earnings wrong?
Contact your local Social Security office by phone or in person with documents that prove your correct earnings — W-2 forms, pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. You have three years, three months, and 15 days after the year in which the earnings were reported to correct them. After that, you need original documents from your employer.
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
A replacement card ordered through My Social Security arrives in seven to 10 business days. If you need it faster, visit a local Social Security office in person. There is no fee for a replacement card.
Can I file for benefits through My Social Security?
No. My Social Security shows your earnings record and benefit estimate, but you cannot file a new claim there. To file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, use the online application at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office.