What the Social Security website does and does not do

The official Social Security website is ssa.gov. It is run by the Social Security Administration, a federal agency. The site lets you read about programs, check the status of a claim you have already filed, and create or log into your personal account called my Social Security. It does not process new claims — you file those through the website, by phone, or in person at a local office.

The website contains plain-language explanations of how Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits work. It also has tools to estimate your future benefits and look up your earnings record. If you have already started receiving benefits, you can use my Social Security to see your payment amount, change your direct deposit information, and request a replacement Social Security card.

The site is free. You do not need to pay anyone to use it or to file a claim through it. Scammers sometimes pose as Social Security and ask for payment — the real agency never does this.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to check your earnings record, see your benefit amount if you are already receiving payments, and update your direct deposit information.
  • The website has benefit calculators and plain-language information about retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, but does not determine whether you may have access to.
  • To file a new claim, you start on ssa.gov, but you can also call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office in person.
  • The website shows the status of a claim you have already filed, including whether documents are missing and when a decision is expected.
  • Social Security never asks for payment to use the website or to process your claim — any request for money is a scam.

Creating and using a my Social Security account

A my Social Security account is a secure login where you can see your personal information without calling or visiting an office. To create one, go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file with Social Security.

Once you are logged in, you can view your earnings record (the wages Social Security has on file for you), see an estimate of your retirement benefit at different ages, and check whether you have any pending claims. If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your monthly payment amount, the date it was deposited, and your current direct deposit account. You can also request a replacement Social Security card and view your benefit verification letter, which some employers and landlords ask for.

The account is password-protected and uses two-factor authentication, meaning you will need to enter a code sent to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device. This protects your information from unauthorized access.

Finding information about specific benefits

The website has separate sections for retirement benefits, disability benefits (called SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and survivor benefits. Each section explains who qualifies, how much you might receive, and how to file. The language is straightforward and includes examples.

The retirement section shows how your benefit amount changes based on when you start — for example, the difference between starting at 62 versus waiting until 70. The disability section explains what "disability" means under Social Security rules (it is stricter than many people expect) and what documents you need to file. The survivor section covers benefits for spouses, children, and parents of someone who has died.

Each section also has a "Frequently Asked Questions" page that covers common situations — for example, what happens to your benefits if you work, how much you can earn without losing benefits, and whether you can receive benefits while living outside the United States.

Filing a new claim through the website

You can start a new claim on ssa.gov by clicking "Apply for Benefits" and selecting which type of benefit you want to file for. The website will walk you through a form that asks about your work history, family members, and current living situation. You do not have to complete it all at once — you can save your progress and come back later.

After you submit the form, Social Security will send you a notice with a claim number and tell you what documents to send. Common documents include your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and recent tax returns or pay stubs. You can upload documents through your my Social Security account, mail them, or bring them to a local office.

The website shows you the status of your claim — whether it is being reviewed, whether documents are missing, and an estimated decision date. This status updates as Social Security processes your case, so you do not have to call to find out where things stand.

Checking claim status and tracking documents

Once you have filed a claim, you can log into my Social Security to see where it is in the process. The status page tells you whether Social Security is still reviewing your claim, whether they need more information from you, and when they expect to make a decision. If documents are missing, the page lists which ones and gives you a deadline to send them.

You can upload missing documents directly through your account instead of mailing them. This is faster and creates a record that Social Security received them. If you prefer to mail documents, the status page shows you the address to send them to.

If your claim has been denied and you want to appeal, the website explains the appeal process and shows you the deadline to file. You can request an appeal through your account or by mail.

Using benefit calculators and planning tools

The website has a retirement benefit calculator that estimates what you will receive based on your age, current earnings, and the age you plan to start benefits. It uses your actual earnings record from Social Security, so the estimate is based on real numbers, not guesses. The calculator shows how your benefit changes if you wait longer to start — most people receive more per month if they wait past their full retirement age.

There is also a "Benefit may be able to access Screening Tool" that asks questions about your situation and tells you which programs you might want to learn more about. This tool does not determine whether you may have access to — it just points you toward programs that might be relevant to you.

The website includes worksheets and planning guides for people thinking about when to start benefits, how work affects your benefits, and what to do if you are receiving benefits and your situation changes (for example, if you get married, divorced, or move).

Getting help if you cannot use the website

Not everyone can or wants to use the website. You can file a claim by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the month.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov and use the office locator, or call the number above. Some offices require you to make an appointment in advance, especially since the pandemic. Bring documents with you — your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

If you need help understanding the website or your benefits, you can ask a representative at the office or on the phone. They cannot tell you whether you will be approved, but they can explain how the programs work and what documents you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security account safe? Can someone hack it?

The account uses two-factor authentication, which means a hacker would need both your password and access to your phone or email. Social Security also monitors accounts for suspicious activity. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Can I file a claim for someone else, like a family member?

You can file a claim for a child or for someone who is unable to file themselves, but you will need to prove you have legal authority to do so. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office to ask what documents you need. You cannot file for an adult who is able to file for themselves.

What if I do not have an email address or cannot create an account?

You do not need a my Social Security account to file a claim or get information. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person. A representative can file your claim over the phone or help you at the office without an account.

How long does it take to get a decision on my claim?

Retirement claims usually take two to four weeks. Disability claims take longer — often three to six months or more, depending on how much medical evidence Social Security needs to review. The status page on your account shows an estimated decision date, which updates as the review progresses.

Can I change my mind after I file a claim?

Yes. If you have not yet received a payment, you can withdraw your claim. If you have already started receiving benefits and want to stop, you can suspend your benefits, though this is permanent and affects your future payments. Call or visit an office to discuss your options before making a change.