What you can do with a my Social Security account
A my Social Security account is a free online portal run by the Social Security Administration where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage some account details without visiting an office or calling. You create the account yourself using your Social Security number, email address, and identity verification.
Once you log in, you can see your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current earnings record. You can also view your complete work history as Social Security has it on file, which matters because errors there directly affect your benefit amount. The portal lets you change your address, phone number, and email without paperwork. If you receive benefits already, you can view your payment history and tax statements (the Form SSA-1099 or equivalent).
You cannot apply for benefits through my Social Security, change your name or date of birth online, or report a death. Those still require a phone call, office visit, or paper form. The account is read-mostly — it shows you information and lets you update contact details, but the major decisions still go through Social Security staff.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account yourself at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, email, and identity verification through ID.me or Login.gov.
- The account shows your earnings record, estimated benefits, payment history, and tax statements, and lets you update your address and contact information.
- Identity verification is required and usually takes a few minutes; if you cannot verify online, Social Security will mail you a code to use instead.
- You still need to call or visit an office to apply for benefits, report a death, or change your legal name or date of birth.
- Your account is secure but only as secure as your password and email — use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if the site offers it.
How to create and verify your 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 either ID.me or Login.gov for verification, depending on which one you choose during signup.
ID.me asks you to upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID and take a selfie. The process is automated and usually takes a few minutes. If you do not have a state ID or prefer not to upload photos, you can choose Login.gov instead, which asks security questions about your financial history instead. Both methods work; the choice is yours.
If you cannot verify online — for example, if your ID is expired or your photo does not match your current appearance — Social Security will mail you a one-time code. You use that code to finish creating your account. This route takes longer but works for anyone.
What your earnings record shows and why it matters
Your earnings record is a year-by-year list of how much you earned and how much you paid in Social Security taxes. Social Security uses this record to calculate your benefit amount when you retire, become disabled, or pass away (your family may then receive survivor benefits). If the record is wrong, your benefits will be wrong.
Check your record for missing years, years with unusually low earnings, or employers you do not recognize. If you spot an error, you have a limited window to correct it — generally three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year in which you earned the money. After that, Social Security cannot change the record even if you have proof. If you find an error, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office with your tax return or W-2 from that year.
Errors are not uncommon, especially if you changed your name, worked under a different name, or had an employer report your earnings incorrectly. Catching them early protects your future benefit amount.
Understanding your benefit estimate
The my Social Security account shows three estimates: what you would receive at age 62 (earliest retirement age), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and at age 70 (the latest you can delay and still receive higher benefits). These are projections based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working at your recent average pace until you claim.
The estimates are not promises. They change if you earn more or less in the future, if you have a period of no earnings, or if Congress changes the benefit formula. They also assume you live to an average age — they do not account for your individual health or family history. Use the estimates to think through when you might want to claim, but understand they are starting points, not final numbers.
If you are already receiving benefits, the account shows your actual monthly payment amount instead of an estimate. If you are disabled or a survivor receiving benefits, you will see that benefit type and amount.
Keeping your account secure
Your my Social Security account holds sensitive information — your earnings history, benefit amounts, and personal details. Protect it the way you would protect your email or bank account. Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, birth date, or name in your password.
Never share your password or login link with anyone, including Social Security staff. Social Security employees will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or to verify your account, hang up or close the message — it is a scam.
If you have the option to enable two-factor authentication (a second verification step after you enter your password), turn it on. This means even if someone gets your password, they cannot log in without access to your phone or email. Check your account settings to see if this feature is available.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page. Social Security will send you a reset link to your email. If you do not have access to the email address you used to create the account, you will need to contact Social Security directly.
If you cannot verify your identity online during account creation, Social Security will offer to mail you a verification code. This takes one to two weeks. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about other verification options or to get help creating your account over the phone.
If your account is locked after multiple failed login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. If it remains locked, contact Social Security by phone or visit a local office.
When you still need to call or visit an office
The my Social Security account handles routine lookups and contact updates, but some transactions still require you to speak with a Social Security representative. You cannot apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits online — you must call 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office, or submit Form SS-1 (for retirement) or Form SSA-16 (for disability) by mail.
You also cannot report a death, change your legal name, correct your date of birth, or request a replacement Social Security card through the online account. These require verification that goes beyond what the portal can handle. For a replacement card, you can now apply online at ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card if your state participates in the program, but not all states do yet.
If you need to do any of these things, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time, or visit your nearest Social Security office. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Social Security account the same as my Social Security number?
No. Your Social Security number is the nine-digit identifier Social Security assigns you. Your my Social Security account is an online portal you create to view information tied to that number. You can have a Social Security number without ever creating an online account.
Can I see my benefits if I am not retired yet?
Yes. The account shows estimates of what you would receive at different ages, even if you are still working. These estimates help you plan when you might want to claim. If you are already receiving disability or survivor benefits, you will see your actual payment amount.
What if I see earnings I do not recognize in my record?
Contact Social Security right away. Bring your tax return or W-2 from that year as proof. You have three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year you earned the money to correct errors. After that, Social Security cannot change the record.
Do I need a my Social Security account to receive benefits?
No. You can receive benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is optional and exists to let you check your information and manage some details on your own time, without calling or visiting an office.
What happens if someone hacks my my Social Security account?
Contact Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213. Change your password right away and enable two-factor authentication if available. Social Security can help you secure your account and watch for suspicious activity. If you think your Social Security number itself has been compromised, you may also want to check your credit report for fraud.