What you'll find on SSA.gov and how to use it

The Social Security Administration's official website is SSA.gov. It holds information about retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can check your earnings record, create a my Social Security account, read about how benefits are calculated, and find your local Social Security office.

The site is not where you complete a full application for benefits — most of that happens in person, by phone, or through your my Social Security account. But it is where you learn what programs exist, what documents you will need, and what to expect at each step. The information is free and available 24 hours a day.

SSA.gov also hosts a searchable database of field offices by ZIP code, a benefits calculator, and links to state-specific resources. If you are looking for general information about how Social Security works, this is the starting point.

Key Takeaways

  • SSA.gov is the official source for Social Security information, but you cannot complete a full benefits application there — you apply through your my Social Security account, by phone, or in person.
  • You can create a my Social Security account on the website to check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and track the status of an application you have already started.
  • The site includes a field office locator, a benefits calculator, and detailed explanations of retirement, disability, survivor, and SSI benefits.
  • Information on SSA.gov is updated regularly, but you should confirm details with your local office or account before making decisions based on what you read.

Creating and using a my Social Security account

A my Social Security account is a password-protected portal on SSA.gov where you can view your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and check the status of an application. You create it by going to SSA.gov, clicking "Create an account," and following the steps. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or state ID number.

Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to see how much you have earned in each year of work, which affects how much your benefit will be. You can also request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, and report a change in your circumstances if you are already receiving benefits.

If you have started an application for benefits, your account will show you where it stands — whether it is waiting for documents from you, being reviewed, or approved. This saves you from having to call or visit an office to ask for an update.

Finding your local Social Security office

SSA.gov has a field office locator tool. Enter your ZIP code and the site will show you the nearest office, its hours, phone number, and whether it is currently open. Many offices have reduced hours or require appointments, so checking the website before you go is important.

You can call your local office directly to ask questions, request documents, or schedule an appointment. Some offices allow you to walk in, but others are by appointment only. The website tells you which applies to your office.

If you prefer not to visit in person, you can call the national Social Security number — 1-800-772-1213 — to speak with someone who can answer questions or help you start an application. This line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

Using the benefits calculator and earnings record

SSA.gov includes a benefits calculator that estimates what your retirement benefit will be at different ages. You enter your birth date, current earnings, and the age you plan to start benefits, and the calculator shows you an estimate. This is not a final number — it is based on the information you provide and assumes your earnings will stay the same until retirement.

Your earnings record is a year-by-year list of how much you have earned and how much you have paid in Social Security taxes. You can view this in your my Social Security account. It is important to check it for errors, because mistakes in your record can lower your benefit. If you spot an error, you can report it through your account or by contacting your local office.

The earnings record goes back to when you started working. If you have worked under different names or Social Security numbers, you may need to contact Social Security directly to make sure all your earnings are recorded under one number.

Information about different types of benefits

SSA.gov explains four main types of benefits. Retirement benefits are paid to you when you reach full retirement age or choose to start early. Disability benefits (SSDI) are paid to people who cannot work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Survivor benefits are paid to your family members if you die. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for people 65 and older, blind, or disabled, with limited income and resources.

Each program has different rules about how much you can earn while receiving benefits, how family members are affected, and what documents you need to provide. The website breaks down these rules by program, so you can read about the one that applies to your situation.

SSA.gov also explains how benefits are calculated, when you can start receiving them, and how your benefit changes if you work, get married, or have other life changes. This information is technical, but the site presents it in plain language with examples.

Documents and preparation before you apply

SSA.gov lists what documents you will need before you apply for benefits. For retirement or survivor benefits, you typically need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and your W-2 forms or tax return. For disability benefits, you need medical records showing your condition and how it limits your ability to work.

The website explains what counts as proof of citizenship (a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers) and what does not. It also tells you whether you can submit documents online, by mail, or in person. Having this information before you contact Social Security saves time and reduces back-and-forth.

If you are applying for benefits on behalf of someone else — a child, a spouse, or a parent — SSA.gov explains what documents that person needs and what legal authority you must have to represent them.

Reporting changes and managing your benefits

If you are already receiving benefits, SSA.gov explains what changes you must report: a change in your address, a change in your work status, a marriage or divorce, or a death in your family. You can report many of these changes through your my Social Security account without calling or visiting an office.

The website also explains how your benefit changes if you continue to work after you start receiving retirement benefits. If you are under full retirement age, your benefit is reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above a certain amount. This limit changes each year, and SSA.gov publishes the current limit.

If you receive a notice from Social Security that you do not understand, SSA.gov has a section explaining common notices and what they mean. This can help you figure out whether you need to take action or whether the notice is just informational.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SSA.gov the only place to get Social Security information?

No. You can also call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local office in person, or speak with a representative by video appointment. SSA.gov is the most complete source of written information, but it is not the only way to reach Social Security.

Can I complete my entire benefits application on SSA.gov?

You can start an application through your my Social Security account, but you may need to provide additional documents or answer follow-up questions by phone or in person. The website will tell you what step comes next and whether you need to contact an office.

What if I find an error in my earnings record?

Report it through your my Social Security account or by calling your local office. You may need to provide W-2 forms or tax returns as proof. Correcting errors can take several weeks, so report them as soon as you notice them.

Does SSA.gov have information in languages other than English?

Yes. SSA.gov offers information in Spanish and several other languages. You can also request an interpreter when you call or visit an office in person.

How often is the information on SSA.gov updated?

Social Security updates the website regularly, especially benefit amounts, earnings limits, and office hours. However, you should confirm details with your local office before making decisions, because information can change and may vary by location.