What My Social Security Does and How to Access It
My Social Security is the official online portal run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address, and report a change in circumstances — all without calling or visiting an office. You create a personal account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email address and Social Security number.
The portal works on desktop and mobile browsers. You do not need to download an app. Once you log in, you see your own information only — the SSA uses multi-factor authentication to confirm your identity before you can access anything.
Not every Social Security task can be done through the portal. You cannot file for benefits, report someone's death, or request a replacement Social Security card online. For those, you still need to call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office. The portal tells you which tasks require a phone call or in-person visit.
Key Takeaways
- You create a My Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email and Social Security number, and the SSA sends a verification code to confirm your identity.
- The portal shows your earnings record, benefit statement, and payment history, and lets you change your address or report a change in work or living situation.
- Filing for benefits, reporting a death, and requesting a replacement card still require a phone call or office visit — the portal does not handle those tasks.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it through the login page; if you cannot verify your identity, you must call or visit an office.
Creating Your Account and Logging In
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your email address, Social Security number, and a phone number where you can receive a text or call. The SSA sends a one-time code to verify you are who you say you are.
If the SSA cannot verify your identity through the automated system, you will be asked to upload documents — usually a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). Upload both sides of your ID if it is a driver's license or passport. This step can take a few business days for the SSA to review.
Once your account is created, you log in with your email and password. The SSA requires a second verification step each time — either a code sent to your phone or a code from an authenticator app. If you lose access to your phone number, you can update it in your account settings, but you will need to verify the new number first.
What Information You Can View and Download
Your benefit statement shows your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current earnings record. This is the same statement the SSA mails to people who do not have an online account, but you can view it anytime instead of waiting for the annual mailing. The statement includes your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number as the SSA has it on file.
Your earnings record lists every year you worked and how much you earned in Social Security-covered wages. The SSA uses this record to calculate your benefits. If you see an error — a year you worked but no earnings appear, or earnings that look wrong — you can report it through the portal or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You have three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year the earnings were reported to correct them.
Your payment history shows every benefit payment the SSA has sent you, including the date and amount. If you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, this section shows your payment schedule and any adjustments made to your benefit amount. You can download a PDF of your statement or earnings record to save or print.
Reporting Changes and Updating Your Information
You can change your mailing address, phone number, and email address through the portal. Changes take effect within one to two business days. If you move, update your address as soon as possible so the SSA can reach you if there is a problem with your benefits.
You can also report a change in your work situation if you receive disability benefits. If you started working or your earnings changed, report it through the portal so the SSA can adjust your benefit if needed. Some people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can report changes in living situation or household composition, though not all changes can be reported online — the portal will tell you if you need to call or visit an office.
Do not report a death through the portal. If someone who receives benefits dies, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office right away. The SSA needs to stop the person's payments and may need to adjust benefits for other family members.
Tasks You Cannot Do Through the Portal
Filing for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits must be done by phone, in person, or through a video appointment. You cannot start a benefits claim through My Social Security. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment or file over the phone. Video appointments are available in some areas and may have shorter wait times than phone lines.
Requesting a replacement Social Security card, getting a benefit verification letter, and reporting someone's death all require a phone call or office visit. You also cannot change your name, date of birth, or gender marker through the portal — those changes need to be done in person with documents that support the change.
If you need to appeal a decision the SSA made about your benefits, you cannot start the appeal through the portal. You can view the decision letter in your account, but you must file the appeal by mail, phone, or in person within 60 days of the letter date.
Troubleshooting Login and Account Problems
If you forget your password, select "Forgot password?" on the login page. The SSA sends a reset link to your email. Click the link and create a new password. The new password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.
If you cannot receive the verification code on your phone, check that the phone number in your account is correct. If it is wrong, you may need to call 1-800-772-1213 to update it, because you cannot change your phone number without first verifying your current one. If your phone number is correct but you are not receiving codes, wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the text or call is delayed.
If the SSA cannot verify your identity when you try to create an account, you will see a message telling you to call or visit an office. This usually happens if your name, date of birth, or Social Security number does not match what the SSA has on file, or if the SSA does not have enough information about you yet (for example, if you are very new to the workforce). Call 1-800-772-1213 to resolve the issue before trying again.
Security and Privacy on My Social Security
My Social Security uses encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your information. Your account is only accessible to you — no one else can log in without your email and password plus the verification code sent to your phone. The SSA does not store your password in plain text and cannot see it if you forget it.
Do not share your password with anyone, including SSA employees. The SSA will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the SSA and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.
Your account is safer than mailing documents to the SSA or calling and giving information over the phone. If you have concerns about your account security, you can change your password anytime in your account settings, and you can remove devices that are no longer yours from your login history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for benefits through My Social Security?
No. You must file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits by phone at 1-800-772-1213, through a video appointment, or in person at a local office. My Social Security lets you view your benefit statement and earnings record, but not file a new claim.
What if I see an error in my earnings record?
Report it to the SSA as soon as you notice it. You can report errors through the portal or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You have three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year the earnings were reported to correct them. Bring your W-2 or tax return for the year in question.
Can I check my benefits 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, Outlook, or Yahoo. If you cannot use the internet, call 1-800-772-1213 and the SSA can mail you a benefit statement.
What should I do if I think someone accessed my account without permission?
Change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. The SSA can review your account activity and help you secure it. Check your benefit payment history to make sure no changes were made to your payment address or method.
Can I use My Social Security on my phone?
Yes. My Social Security works on any device with a web browser — phone, tablet, or computer. There is no official SSA app for My Social Security, so do not download anything claiming to be the official portal. Always go to ssa.gov/myaccount directly.