What You'll Find on Social Security's Main Website
The official Social Security website is ssa.gov, run by the Social Security Administration. It holds information about how benefits work, what documents you need, how to create an account, and where to find your local office. The site also lets you check the status of a claim you've already started, view your earnings record, and estimate what your future benefit might be.
The website is organized by topic rather than by benefit type, so you may need to search or navigate through a few pages to find what applies to your situation. Social Security does not process claims through the website itself — you still need to contact an office or call to actually start a claim — but the site explains what to expect before you do.
The site is free and does not require you to pay anyone to use it. Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees to help you navigate Social Security; the agency itself provides the same information at no cost.
Key Takeaways
- ssa.gov is the only official Social Security website; other sites charging fees for help are not affiliated with the government.
- You can create a my Social Security account to view your earnings history, check claim status, and estimate future benefits without visiting an office.
- The website explains what documents you need and what the process looks like, but you must contact Social Security directly to start or change a claim.
- If you cannot find what you need on the website, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office in person.
Creating and Using a my Social Security Account
A my Social Security account is a free login you create on ssa.gov. Once you set it up, you can see your Social Security statement (which shows your earnings history and estimated benefits), check the status of any claim you've filed, and change your address or phone number without calling.
To create an account, go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Social Security will ask you security questions to verify your identity. The process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to view your statement or check on a pending claim. The site will show you the date your claim was received, whether it is still being reviewed, and (if approved) when your first payment will arrive. If your claim has been denied, the site will explain why and tell you how to request a review.
Finding Information About Specific Benefit Types
Social Security offers several types of benefits: retirement, disability (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), survivor benefits, and benefits for family members. The ssa.gov website has separate sections for each, though the navigation can be confusing if you are not sure which one applies to you.
The fastest way to find the right section is to use the search bar at the top of the homepage. Type in a keyword like "disability" or "retirement" and the site will show you relevant pages. You can also browse by topic using the menu — look for "Benefits" and then choose the type that matches your situation.
Each benefit section explains who can receive it, what the monthly payment amount might be, what documents you need to provide, and how long the review process usually takes. The site does not tell you whether you personally will be approved, but it does describe the general rules.
What Documents the Website Says You Will Need
Before you contact Social Security, the website lists what documents are typically required. For most claims, you will need proof of identity (a driver's license, passport, or state ID), proof of citizenship or legal residency (a birth certificate or immigration papers), and proof of income or work history (tax returns, W-2 forms, or pay stubs).
The exact documents vary by benefit type and your personal situation. For example, if you are claiming survivor benefits, you will need a death certificate for the person who died. If you are claiming disability, you will need medical records showing your condition. The website explains these differences in the section for each benefit type.
You do not need to gather every document before you contact Social Security. You can start the process with what you have and provide the rest later. However, having documents ready will speed up the review.
Contacting Social Security When You Cannot Find an Answer Online
If the website does not answer your question, you have three ways to reach Social Security directly. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. To find the nearest one, use the office locator on ssa.gov — enter your zip code and the site will show you addresses, phone numbers, and hours. Some offices require you to make an appointment; others accept walk-ins. Calling ahead is usually faster than showing up without notice.
A third option is to use the online message service through your my Social Security account. If you have an account, you can send a message to your local office and they will respond within a few business days. This works well for simple questions but is slower than calling if you need an answer right away.
Understanding What the Website Cannot Do
The ssa.gov website provides information and lets you view your own records, but it cannot process a new claim or make changes to an existing one. You cannot use the website to start receiving benefits, update your payment method, or request a review of a denied claim. Those actions require you to contact Social Security by phone or in person.
The website also cannot tell you whether you personally will be approved for benefits. It explains the rules and shows examples, but only a Social Security representative who reviews your specific documents can make that decision. If you see information on the site that seems to match your situation, that does not mean you will be approved — it means you meet the general description of who might be approved.
Avoiding Scams and Fake Social Security Websites
Scammers sometimes create websites that look like ssa.gov but have slightly different web addresses (for example, "socialsecurity.org" instead of "ssa.gov"). These fake sites may ask you to pay a fee to check your benefits or to speed up your claim. Social Security never charges for its services, and the real website is always ssa.gov (not .org, .net, or any other ending).
If you see a website claiming to help you with Social Security for a fee, do not use it. You can report suspicious websites to the Social Security Administration by calling 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting the "Report Fraud" section on ssa.gov.
Be especially cautious of emails, text messages, or phone calls claiming to be from Social Security. The real agency does not contact people by email or text to ask for personal information. If you receive a message like that, do not click any links or provide any information — it is almost certainly a scam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the website to start a claim?
No. You can start a claim by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting a local office, or (for retirement benefits only) using the online application on ssa.gov. The website is optional; it is there to help you prepare or to check on a claim you have already started.
What if I forget my my Social Security account password?
Go to ssa.gov and click "Sign in" at the top of the page. Look for the "Forgot password?" link and follow the steps to reset it. Social Security will send you a link by email. If you cannot access your email, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access to your account.
Can I see how much my monthly benefit will be before I claim?
Yes. If you create a my Social Security account, you can view your Social Security statement, which includes an estimate of your monthly benefit at different ages. The estimate is based on your earnings history and assumes you continue working until the age you choose to claim.
Is the website available in languages other than English?
Yes. ssa.gov offers information in Spanish and several other languages. Look for the language selector at the bottom of the homepage. Some pages are fully translated; others have key sections translated with links to English for additional details.
What should I do if I think there is an error in my earnings record?
Log into your my Social Security account and review your earnings history. If you see an error, contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office. Bring documents like W-2 forms or tax returns that show what you actually earned. Social Security can correct errors, but you need to report them within a certain timeframe.