What Social Security's digital services do and don't do
Social Security has built several online tools to let you check your record, track applications, and manage your account without visiting an office. The main platform is my Social Security, a free account where you can view your earnings history, see benefit estimates, and change your address or phone number. You can also use it to request a replacement Social Security card in most states, check the status of a pending application, and set up direct deposit for benefits.
These tools do not process new claims or make decisions about your case. They show you information Social Security already has about you, let you update contact details, and display where your application stands in the queue. If you need to file for benefits, report a change that affects your payment, or appeal a decision, you will still need to contact Social Security directly — either through the online application portal, by phone, or in person at a field office.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security is a free account where you can view your earnings record, check benefit estimates, and track pending applications without calling or visiting an office.
- You can request a replacement Social Security card online in most states through my Social Security, though a few states still require in-person or mail requests.
- Filing a new claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits still requires using Social Security's online application or contacting the agency by phone or in person.
- Social Security's phone lines and field offices remain the fastest way to report changes that affect your payment, such as a change in income or living situation.
- Two-factor authentication protects your my Social Security account; you will need a phone number or email address to set it up and log in.
Setting up and using my Social Security
To create a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" under the my Social Security section. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone to confirm your identity before your account goes live.
Once logged in, you can view your complete earnings history — the record Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. You can also see an estimate of what you would receive at different ages (62, full retirement age, or 70) if you file for retirement benefits. These estimates update once a year, usually in September, based on your most recent earnings record. If you spot an error in your earnings history, you can flag it through the account, though you will need to contact Social Security by phone or mail to formally correct it.
The account also shows the status of any pending application you have filed — whether it is still under review, waiting for additional information from you, or ready for a decision. If Social Security needs documents from you, the account will tell you what is missing and where to send it.
Requesting a replacement Social Security card online
Most states now let you request a replacement card through my Social Security without visiting an office or mailing documents. The process takes about 5 to 10 business days; Social Security will mail the card to the address on file in your account. You can track the delivery status once it ships.
A few states — including New Hampshire, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma — do not yet offer online card requests and require you to apply in person at a Social Security office or by mail. Check the Social Security website to see whether your state participates. If your state does not, you can still request a card by mail by filling out Form SS-5 and sending it with proof of identity and citizenship to your local Social Security office.
You cannot request a card online if you need a name change, if you are applying for your first card, or if you are under 18 and your parent or guardian needs to sign the application. In those cases, you must visit a field office or mail in Form SS-5.
Filing a new claim through Social Security's online application
Social Security lets you start an application for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits online at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/applymybenefits.html. The online form walks you through questions about your work history, family situation, and living arrangements. You can save your progress and return to it later if you do not finish in one sitting.
After you submit the online application, Social Security will contact you to verify information and request documents — usually a birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and tax returns or W-2s showing your earnings. You can upload documents through my Social Security, mail them, or bring them to a field office. Processing time varies; retirement claims often take 2 to 4 weeks, while disability claims can take several months because they require a medical review.
You do not have to file online. You can also apply by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at a field office. The timeline is the same regardless of which method you use.
Reporting changes to your account and benefits
If your address, phone number, or email changes, you can update it through my Social Security immediately. Changes to your direct deposit account can also be made online. These updates take effect within a few business days.
Other changes — such as a change in your income, living situation, marital status, or the number of dependents you support — must be reported to Social Security, but the online account does not have a form for these. Instead, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a field office. Reporting these changes quickly matters because they can affect your benefit amount or your continued may be able to access for benefits.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to Social Security, you must report changes by phone or in person; the online account does not support SSI changes.
Security and privacy of your online account
My Social Security uses two-factor authentication, meaning you need both your password and a code sent to your phone or email to log in. This protects your account from unauthorized access. Social Security recommends using a strong, unique password and not sharing your login details with anyone.
The information in your account is the same information Social Security holds in its files — your earnings history, benefit payment amount, and personal contact details. Viewing it online does not expose you to additional privacy risk compared to calling or visiting an office, but you should still log out when you are finished and avoid using public Wi-Fi to access sensitive information.
If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
When you need to contact Social Security directly
Some tasks still require speaking to a Social Security representative. These include filing a new claim for benefits (though you can start online), reporting changes that affect your payment, requesting a replacement card if your state does not offer online requests, appealing a decision, and resolving errors in your earnings record.
You can reach Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the week. You can also visit a field office in person; find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.
Social Security does not accept applications or requests by email. If you need to submit documents, you can mail them, upload them through my Social Security, or bring them to a field office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for benefits entirely online, or do I have to talk to someone?
You can start your application online and submit it without calling, but Social Security will contact you afterward to verify your information and request documents. You cannot complete the entire process without some contact with the agency, though that contact can happen by phone, mail, or in person — your choice.
What if I forget my my Social Security password?
Go to ssa.gov and select "Forgot username or password?" You can reset it using your email address or phone number. Social Security will send you a link or code to create a new password. If you cannot access your email or phone, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access to your account.
How often does my benefit estimate update?
Social Security updates your benefit estimate once a year, usually in September, based on your most recent earnings record. If you have not worked in the past year, your estimate may not change. You can log in anytime to see your current estimate, but the official update happens annually.
Can I change my benefit amount or payment date online?
No. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings history and the age at which you file; you cannot change it online. Your payment date is set by Social Security based on your birth date and cannot be changed. If you believe your benefit amount is wrong, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
Is my Social Security account safe to use on my phone?
Yes, as long as you use the official Social Security mobile app or website (ssa.gov). Do not use public Wi-Fi, and log out when you are finished. Two-factor authentication protects your account even if someone obtains your password. Never share your login details or respond to emails or texts claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your password.