What you can do on the Social Security website
The Social Security Administration (SSA) website at ssa.gov is where you find official information about Social Security benefits, create or manage your account, and request documents. You can check your earnings record, see your estimated benefits, report a change in your situation, and download forms — all without visiting an office or calling.
The site is organized by benefit type: retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each section explains what the program covers, who can receive it, and how much you might get based on your work history. You can also find local office addresses, phone numbers, and information about scheduling appointments.
Not everything requires an account. You can read benefit information, download forms, and find your local office without logging in. But to see your personal earnings record or check your estimated benefits, you need to create a my Social Security account.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record and see your estimated benefit amounts.
- You can report changes to your income, address, or family situation through your account without visiting an office.
- The website has separate sections for retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and SSI, each with may be able to access information and forms.
- If you cannot find what you need online, you can schedule an appointment or call your local Social Security office directly from the website.
- You must verify your identity to create an account; the SSA uses third-party verification services that may ask for personal information like your driver's license number.
Creating and using a my Social Security account
To create an account, go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" or "Sign in to my Social Security." You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a password. The SSA will then ask you to verify your identity using information from your credit file or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to view your earnings record — the record of wages and self-employment income the SSA has on file for you. This is important to check because errors in your earnings record can lower your benefit amount. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through your account or by contacting your local office.
Your account also shows your estimated benefit amount at your full retirement age, at age 62, and at age 70. These estimates are based on your current earnings record and assume you will continue working until the age you choose to claim. The estimates update each year after you turn 60.
Reporting changes and managing your benefits
If you are already receiving benefits, you can use your account to report changes such as a new address, a change in your direct deposit information, or a change in your marital status. You can also report if you have returned to work or if your income has changed, which matters if you are under full retirement age and receiving retirement benefits (the SSA reduces benefits if you earn above a certain amount).
If you are receiving disability benefits or SSI, you can report work activity, changes in your living situation, or changes in your household income through your account. The SSA uses this information to determine whether your benefits should continue or change.
You can also use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, though the card itself will be mailed to you by your state's vital statistics office, not by the SSA directly.
Finding forms and official documents
The SSA website has a searchable forms library where you can find and download the forms you need. Common forms include the application for retirement benefits (Form SSA-1), the application for disability benefits (Form SSA-16), and the request for earnings and benefit estimate statement (Form SSA-7050).
You can also request an official earnings and benefit estimate statement, which shows your complete work history and estimated benefits. This document is useful if you are planning for retirement or if you need to show your earnings record to a lender or government agency.
Most forms can be downloaded and printed, then mailed or brought to your local office. Some forms can be completed and submitted online through your account.
Contacting Social Security through the website
If you cannot find the information you need or have a question, the website has several ways to reach the SSA. You can use the office locator to find your nearest Social Security office, get its phone number, and see its hours. Many offices allow you to schedule an appointment online rather than calling.
The website also has a message board where you can submit questions, though responses may take several days. For urgent matters, you can call the main Social Security number listed on the website, though wait times are often long during business hours.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, the SSA provides a TTY number on the website. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available at local offices and by phone.
Understanding the benefit calculators and planning tools
The SSA website includes several calculators to help you understand your benefits. The Retirement Estimator lets you see how your benefit amount changes based on different claiming ages. The Benefit may be able to access Screening Tool helps you understand which programs you might be able to receive based on your age, work history, and family situation.
These tools use information from your Social Security account if you are logged in, or you can enter information manually. The estimates they provide are based on current law and your current earnings record, so they may change if your earnings change or if Congress changes the benefit formulas.
The website also has worksheets and guides to help you decide when to claim benefits, how to report work activity if you are receiving disability benefits, and how to understand your benefit statement.
What the website does not do
The SSA website provides information and lets you manage your account, but it does not make decisions about your benefits or process your initial claim for benefits. If you are applying for benefits for the first time, you will need to complete an application, either online through your account, by mail, or in person at your local office.
The website also does not handle appeals. If your claim is denied or you disagree with a decision about your benefits, you will need to file an appeal through your local office or by mail, following the instructions in the notice you receive from the SSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Social Security website secure?
Yes. The SSA website uses encryption to protect your personal information, and your account is password-protected. However, be cautious of phishing emails or fake websites that claim to be from Social Security. Always go directly to ssa.gov or call the official number on your Social Security card or benefit statement.
Can I apply for benefits on the website?
You can start an application for retirement or disability benefits online through your my Social Security account, but you may need to complete it in person or by phone. The website will tell you if your application can be completed entirely online or if you need to take additional steps.
How do I know if my account information is correct?
Log into your my Social Security account and review your earnings record. If you see wages or self-employment income that is not yours, or if you are missing earnings from a year you worked, contact your local Social Security office with documentation of your actual earnings, such as tax returns or W-2 forms.
What if I cannot create an account because identity verification fails?
If the online verification process does not work, you can visit your local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. The staff can help you create an account or access your information without one.
Can I change my benefit amount or claiming age on the website?
No. The website lets you see your estimated benefits at different ages, but to actually claim benefits or change your claiming age, you must submit an application or request through your local office or by phone.