What a Social Security online account does

A Social Security online account, called my Social Security, lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage certain account details without visiting an office or calling. You create it through the Social Security Administration's website using your email address and a password. Once you're signed in, you can see what Social Security has on file about your work history and get an estimate of what your benefits might be at different ages.

The account does not let you file for benefits or change your address — those still require a phone call or office visit. But for checking information you already have access to, the online account is faster than waiting on hold or scheduling an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and personal information to verify your identity.
  • The account shows your earnings history, benefit estimates at different claiming ages, and your current benefit status if you're already receiving payments.
  • You cannot file for benefits, change your address, or report a death through the online account — those actions still require a phone call or office visit.
  • Social Security offers a second sign-in method called a security key or authenticator app if you want extra protection beyond a password.

How to create your account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link, usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Create an account." You'll need your Social Security number, email address, and a password you create. Social Security will ask you personal questions to verify you are who you say you are — questions about past addresses, loans, or credit accounts you may have had.

If you cannot answer enough of the verification questions, Social Security will offer to mail you a verification code instead. This takes about 5 to 10 business days. Once you've verified your identity, your account is active and you can sign in immediately.

What information you can see in your account

Your earnings record shows what Social Security has recorded for each year you worked and paid Social Security taxes. Check this carefully — if your employer reported your wages incorrectly, your benefit amount will be wrong. You have a limited time to correct errors, so if you spot something, contact Social Security by phone or in person rather than through the website.

Your benefit estimate shows what you might receive if you claim at age 62, your full retirement age (which varies by birth year), or age 70. These are estimates only, based on your current earnings record and the assumption that you'll keep working until the age you choose. The estimate updates each year as you earn more wages.

If you're already receiving benefits, you can see your payment amount, payment date, and the method Social Security uses to send your money (direct deposit or check). You can also see your Medicare information if you're enrolled.

Adding extra security to your account

Beyond your password, Social Security lets you set up a second sign-in method. You can use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) or a security key — a small physical device you plug into your computer. Either method means someone who steals your password still cannot get into your account without the second factor.

Setting up a security key or authenticator app takes a few minutes during account setup or later in your account settings. If you lose access to your authenticator app, you can use backup codes Social Security gives you during setup, so save those somewhere safe.

What you cannot do online

You cannot file for benefits through my Social Security. To start receiving payments, you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. You also cannot change your address, phone number, or direct deposit information online — those changes require a phone call or office visit.

If someone in your household has died, you cannot report the death through the website. Call Social Security or visit an office to report it, because the agency needs to stop payments and may owe survivor benefits to other family members.

Troubleshooting sign-in problems

If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the sign-in page and Social Security will send a reset link to your email. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, you'll need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to regain access.

If you cannot remember your security questions or lost your authenticator app, you can use the backup codes you saved during setup. If you don't have those either, call Social Security and they can help you regain access, though it may take a few days.

When to contact Social Security instead

Use the phone line (1-800-772-1213) or visit an office if you need to file for benefits, change personal information, report a death, or correct an error in your earnings record. The website is for viewing information, not changing it. Social Security's phone lines are typically less busy early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.

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 has interpreters available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security account the same as a Medicare account?

No. my Social Security is separate from Medicare.gov. However, if you're enrolled in Medicare, you can see your Medicare information when you sign into my Social Security. To manage your Medicare coverage, you use Medicare.gov instead.

Can I see my spouse's information in my account?

No. Each person has their own account and can only see their own information. If you need to know about your spouse's benefits, they must create their own account or you can call Social Security together.

What if I see an error in my earnings record?

Contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your earnings (like old tax returns or W-2 forms). Social Security has limits on how far back you can correct errors, so report mistakes as soon as you spot them.

Do I need to create an account to get my benefit estimate?

Yes. You must create a my Social Security account to see your personalized estimate. Social Security offers a general calculator on its website that doesn't require an account, but it won't be based on your actual earnings record.

Is my Social Security account secure?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures similar to banks. Your account is more secure if you set up a second sign-in method like an authenticator app or security key. Never share your password, and be cautious of emails or calls claiming to be from Social Security — the agency does not contact people by email asking for personal information.