What you can do on Social Security's website
Social Security offers an online portal called my Social Security where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address, request a replacement Social Security card, and manage some account settings — all without visiting an office or calling. You create a free account using your email address and Social Security number, then log in to handle these tasks on your own schedule.
The portal does not let you file for benefits or appeal a decision online. Those still require a phone call, in-person visit, or mailed form. But for routine account maintenance and checking information you already have access to, the online service saves time and a trip.
Key Takeaways
- You create a free my Social Security account using your email and Social Security number, and can log in anytime to view your earnings record and benefit statement.
- The online portal lets you change your address, request a replacement card, and update direct deposit information without calling or visiting an office.
- You cannot file for benefits or appeal a decision through the website; those require a phone call, form, or office visit.
- You need to set up a username and password, and Social Security will ask security questions to verify your identity the first time you log in.
How to create a my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link on the homepage. Click it and select "Create an account." You will enter your email address, create a username and password, and provide your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will send a verification code to your email — enter that code to confirm the email is yours.
On your first login, Social Security asks security questions to verify your identity. These questions draw from your credit history and personal records — for example, "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the name of your first pet?" Answer based on what you actually provided to credit bureaus or other sources, not what you wish you had answered. If you cannot answer enough questions correctly, you will need to verify your identity in person at a Social Security office or by video call.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can log in from any computer or phone with internet access. Social Security recommends logging out when you finish, especially on shared devices.
What information you can view and change online
After you log in, you can see your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for every year you worked. This is the record used to calculate your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for errors. If you spot a mistake (a missing year, a year with too-low earnings, or a job you do not recognize), you can note it, but you will need to contact Social Security by phone or mail to correct it, since the online portal does not let you edit the record directly.
You can also view your benefit statement, which shows your estimated benefit amount at different ages — what you would receive if you claimed at 62, at your full retirement age, or at 70. This estimate assumes you continue working at your current pace. The statement updates once a year, usually in September.
In the account settings section, you can change your mailing address, update your phone number, and change your direct deposit information if you receive benefits. You can also request a replacement Social Security card in most states — the card will be mailed to your address on file. A few states still require you to apply in person or by mail.
What you cannot do online
You cannot file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits through my Social Security. You must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit a local office, or mail a completed application form. The same applies if you want to appeal a decision or request a hearing.
You also cannot use the online portal to report a change in your circumstances if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — a needs-based program separate from regular Social Security. SSI recipients must report changes by phone, mail, or in person.
If you need to verify your earnings for a loan application or other purpose, you can print your earnings record from my Social Security, but some lenders or agencies may require an official letter from Social Security instead. You can order that letter online through the portal, and it will be mailed to you.
Security and privacy on the website
my Social Security uses encryption to protect your information as it travels between your device and Social Security's servers. Your password should be strong — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and different from passwords you use elsewhere.
Do not share your login information with anyone, including Social Security employees. Social Security will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in or verify your information, it is a scam — delete it and do not click any links.
If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and contact Social Security by phone. If you believe your Social Security number has been stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus and consider freezing your credit.
What to do if you cannot access your account
If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. Social Security will send a link to your email address. If you cannot access the email account you used to create your my Social Security account, you will need to contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 to regain access.
If you cannot answer enough security questions to verify your identity on first login, you can verify in person at a local Social Security office or by video call. Call the number above to schedule an appointment. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it.
If the website is slow or not loading, try a different web browser or device. Social Security performs maintenance on the site during off-hours, usually late at night or early morning, so the site may be temporarily unavailable then.
Alternatives if you prefer not to use the website
You can call Social Security's main number, 1-800-772-1213, to speak with a representative about your account, earnings record, or benefit statement. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the month. Calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait.
You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, and some offices now require appointments. Bringing your Social Security card, photo ID, and any documents related to your question (like a birth certificate if you are requesting a card replacement) speeds up the process.
If you need help navigating the website or your account, some local senior centers and libraries offer free assistance. Area Agencies on Aging can also point you toward local resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Social Security account the same as a Social Security benefit account?
No. my Social Security is an online portal you create yourself to view your information. Your actual Social Security account — the one Social Security maintains — exists whether or not you create an online account. Creating my Social Security just gives you a way to see that information from home.
Can I file for benefits on my phone?
You cannot file through my Social Security on any device. You must call 1-800-772-1213, visit an office, or mail a paper application. However, you can view your benefit estimate and other account information on your phone once you log into my Social Security.
What if I do not have an email address?
You need an email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook in a few minutes. Once you have an email, you can set up my Social Security. If you need help, ask a family member, friend, or visit a local library.
How often should I check my earnings record?
Social Security recommends checking your earnings record at least once a year, ideally before September when your annual statement updates. Catching errors early — especially if you are close to retirement — gives you time to contact Social Security and request corrections before your benefit is calculated.
Can I use my spouse's login to check their account?
No. Each person must create and log into their own my Social Security account using their own Social Security number and email address. You cannot access someone else's account, even as a spouse or caregiver, through the online portal.