What you'll find on Social Security's official website
Sos.gov is the Social Security Administration's official website. It holds information about retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Medicare. You can look up how much you've earned, check the status of a claim you've already filed, change your address, and read the rules that govern each program.
The site does not process new claims directly through a form you fill out online. Instead, it explains what each program is, who can receive it, what documents you need, and how to start the process. Some services — like checking your earnings record or viewing a claim status — require you to create a my Social Security account, which is a secure login tied to your Social Security number.
The website is organized by life event and by benefit type. If you're nearing retirement age, there's a path for that. If you're applying for disability, there's a separate path. The site also has a phone number (1-800-772-1213) and a locator tool to find your nearest Social Security office if you prefer to work in person.
Key Takeaways
- Sos.gov is where you find official information about Social Security programs, but you cannot file a new claim entirely online through the website.
- You can create a my Social Security account to check your earnings history, view the status of a pending claim, and change your contact information.
- The website explains may be able to access rules, required documents, and the steps to file for each type of benefit.
- To file a new claim, you'll need to call 1-800-772-1213, visit an office in person, or use the online application tool linked from the website.
- The site includes a retirement estimator that shows what your benefit might be at different ages, based on your actual earnings record.
Creating and using a my Social Security account
A my Social Security account is a free login that lets you access your personal information without calling or visiting an office. To create one, you go to sos.gov, select "Create an account," and answer security questions to verify your identity. You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a password you create.
Once you're logged in, you can see your earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This is important because your benefit amount is based on these earnings. You can also check whether you have any pending claims, see the status of a claim you've already filed, and view your Social Security Statement, which estimates what your retirement benefit will be at different ages.
If your address or phone number changes, you can update it through your account. You can also request a replacement Social Security card (though the actual card is issued by your state, not through the website). The account is secure and uses encryption, but you should not share your login with anyone else.
Finding information about specific benefits
The website has separate sections for retirement, disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), survivor benefits, and Medicare. Each section explains what the program pays, who can receive it, and what the income and resource limits are if there are any.
For retirement benefits, the site explains how much you need to have worked, what your full retirement age is (which depends on your birth year), and what happens if you claim early or delay. For disability, it describes what "unable to work" means under Social Security's definition, what medical evidence you need to provide, and how long the review process typically takes. For survivor benefits, it lists who can receive payments if you die — your spouse, children, and parents in some cases — and what the payment amounts depend on.
Each section also has a link to the application process. For some benefits, you can start the application online. For others, you'll be directed to call or visit an office.
Using the retirement estimator and earnings record
The retirement estimator is a tool on sos.gov that shows you what your benefit might be at different ages. You log into your my Social Security account, and the tool uses your actual earnings history to calculate estimates. You can see what you'd receive at age 62, your full retirement age, and age 70. The estimates change based on assumptions about future earnings and life expectancy, so they're not guarantees — they're projections based on the information Social Security has.
Your earnings record is the foundation of this estimate. It shows every year you've worked and how much you earned. You should check it every few years to make sure it's correct. If Social Security has recorded earnings under the wrong name or Social Security number, or if earnings are missing, you can file a correction. The website explains how to do this and what documents you need to prove the error.
Correcting your earnings record can raise your benefit amount, so it's worth checking before you file for benefits. You have a limited time to correct old earnings — generally three years, three months, and 15 days after the year in which you earned the money.
How to file a claim through the website
You cannot complete an entire new claim on sos.gov by filling out a form and submitting it. Instead, the website provides an online application tool that you start on the site, but you'll need to finish the process by phone or in person with a Social Security representative.
For retirement benefits, you can begin the application online. You fill in basic information, and then Social Security contacts you to complete it. For disability (SSDI) or SSI, you can also start online, but the full application is longer and requires medical information, so you'll work with a representative to finish it. For survivor benefits, you typically need to call or visit an office because the application involves multiple family members.
When you start an application online, Social Security saves your progress. You don't have to finish it in one sitting. Once you submit what you've started, a representative will contact you at the phone number or email you provided to complete the rest.
What documents you'll need to have ready
The documents you need depend on which benefit you're filing for. For all benefits, Social Security will ask for your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For retirement and survivor benefits, you'll need proof of your spouse's age and your children's ages if they're applying too.
For disability, you'll need medical records from your doctors, hospitals, or clinics that show your condition and how it affects your ability to work. You don't need to gather all of these yourself — you can authorize Social Security to request them from your providers — but having them ready speeds up the process. For SSI, you'll also need to show your income and resources (bank accounts, property, etc.) to prove you meet the financial limits.
The website has a checklist for each benefit type that tells you exactly what to bring or have ready. You can download these checklists from sos.gov before you file.
Contacting Social Security if you need help
If you can't find what you need on the website, you can call 1-800-772-1213. This is the main Social Security phone line. Wait times are often long, especially early in the morning and on Mondays. The website suggests calling Tuesday through Thursday, mid-morning, for shorter waits.
You can also visit a Social Security office in person. The website has a locator tool where you enter your zip code and it shows you the nearest office, its hours, and its phone number. Some offices require you to make an appointment before you visit. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many offices moved to appointment-only service, and some have kept that policy.
If you're deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security provides interpreters at offices and over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for benefits entirely online without calling or visiting an office?
For retirement benefits, you can start the application online and finish it by phone. For disability and SSI, you must work with a representative because the application is complex and involves medical or financial information. You cannot complete any benefit claim entirely through the website without human contact.
How do I know if my earnings record is correct?
Log into your my Social Security account and view your earnings record. It shows every year you've worked and the amount Social Security has on file. If an amount is wrong or a year is missing, you can file a correction through the website. You'll need a W-2, tax return, or other proof of the correct amount.
What if I can't create a my Social Security account because I don't pass the identity verification?
Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you create an account by phone, or they can look up your information for you without an account. You can also visit an office in person with your ID and Social Security card.
How long does it take to hear back after I file a claim online?
For retirement, a representative usually contacts you within a few days to finish your application. For disability and SSI, the initial review takes several weeks to several months because Social Security must request and review medical records. You can check the status of your claim through your my Social Security account.
Is sos.gov safe to use, and will my information be protected?
Yes, sos.gov uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. However, you should never share your login credentials with anyone, and be cautious of emails or calls claiming to be from Social Security asking for your password or personal details. Social Security will never contact you first asking for sensitive information.