What My Account is and why you need it

My Account is the official Social Security Administration website where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information without calling or visiting an office. You create a personal account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email address and a password you choose.

Once you log in, you can see the same records Social Security has on file about you — the wages you've earned, the taxes you've paid into the system, and what your benefits might be at different ages. You can also request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, and report changes that affect your benefits. The account is free and available 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

  • My Account is created at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email and a password you choose, and you can access it anytime without waiting for an office to open.
  • You can view your complete earnings record, see your estimated benefits at different retirement ages, and check how much you've paid in taxes.
  • The account lets you request a replacement Social Security card, update your address, and report life changes that affect your benefits.
  • You will need a valid email address and a way to verify your identity — either a phone number, U.S. mailing address, or answers to security questions based on your credit history.

How to create your My Account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." Enter your email address, create a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol), and provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and last name. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity.

Verification happens one of three ways. The fastest is if you have a U.S. mobile phone number — Social Security sends a one-time code by text that you enter to confirm. If you don't have a mobile phone or prefer not to use it, you can verify using your U.S. mailing address on file. The slowest option is answering security questions based on your credit history, which can take a few minutes but works if the other methods don't.

Once verified, your account is active. You can log in immediately and start viewing your information. If verification fails, Social Security will tell you why and may ask you to try again later or visit an office in person.

What information you can see in My Account

Your earnings record shows every year you've worked and how much you earned in wages and self-employment income that Social Security has on file. This is the number Social Security uses to calculate your benefits, so it's worth checking for gaps or errors — especially if you worked under a different name, changed jobs frequently, or had income that wasn't reported to Social Security.

Your benefit estimate shows what you could receive at different ages: at 62 (the earliest you can claim), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and at 70 (the latest you can claim). The estimate assumes you keep working and earning at your current rate until you claim. If you plan to retire earlier or later, or if your income will change, the estimate will shift.

You can also see how much you've paid in Social Security and Medicare taxes over your lifetime, and view any benefits you're already receiving if you're retired, disabled, or a survivor of someone who was.

Requesting a replacement Social Security card through My Account

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement without leaving home. Log into My Account, go to "Replacement Social Security Card," and follow the steps. You'll confirm your identity again and choose whether you want the card mailed to your current address on file or to a different address.

Social Security will mail the card to you — delivery usually takes 7 to 10 business days. You cannot choose expedited shipping through My Account, but you can visit a Social Security office in person if you need the card faster. Some states also let you request a replacement through the DMV or state vital records office.

Updating your address and reporting changes

If you move, you can update your address in My Account without calling or visiting an office. Log in, go to "Personal Information," and enter your new address. The change takes effect immediately in Social Security's system, though mail sent before the update processes may still go to your old address.

My Account also lets you report certain life changes — like a name change, a new phone number, or a change in your living situation — that might affect your benefits. If you're receiving benefits and your circumstances change (you return to work, you marry, someone in your household dies), Social Security needs to know. Some changes you can report through My Account; others require a phone call or office visit. The website will tell you which option applies to your situation.

Troubleshooting login and verification problems

If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page and Social Security will send a reset link to your email. If you can't access your email, you'll need to verify your identity again using your phone number, mailing address, or security questions.

If verification fails repeatedly, it usually means Social Security's records don't match what you entered — a wrong date of birth, a name spelled differently than on file, or a Social Security number that doesn't match your name in their system. Visit ssa.gov/myaccount/help or call 1-800-772-1213 to troubleshoot. You can also visit a Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (your card, a tax return, or a W-2).

What My Account cannot do

My Account does not let you file for benefits — you still need to apply separately through ssa.gov/benefits or by phone. It also doesn't let you change your direct deposit information, request a replacement Medicare card, or appeal a decision Social Security made about your case. For those tasks, you'll need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office.

My Account shows your earnings record as Social Security has it, but it may not include very recent income — there's usually a lag of several months before new earnings appear. If you think your record is wrong, you can contact Social Security, but correcting errors often requires documents like tax returns or W-2s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is My Account safe to use?

My Account uses the same security as banks — encrypted connection, password protection, and identity verification before you can access it. Social Security does not ask for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your My Account password, it's a scam.

Can I use My Account if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

You can create My Account if you have a Social Security number, regardless of citizenship status. You'll need to verify your identity using the same methods as anyone else — a phone number, mailing address, or security questions.

What if my earnings record shows income I didn't earn?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 with the year and amount in question. Bring documents that show what you actually earned — tax returns, W-2s, or pay stubs. Correcting the record can take several weeks and may require written proof, but it's worth doing because it affects your benefit amount.

Can I check my benefit estimate if I'm already receiving benefits?

Yes. If you're retired, disabled, or receiving survivor benefits, My Account shows what you're currently getting. The benefit estimate tool also shows what you would have received if you'd claimed at a different age, which can help you understand how your choice affected your payment.

Do I need My Account to file for benefits?

No. You can file for benefits through ssa.gov/benefits, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office. My Account is useful for checking your earnings and estimate before you file, but filing itself is a separate process.