Where to check your SSI status
You can check your Supplemental Security Income status through your personal my Social Security account online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online account is the fastest way — you can see your payment history, upcoming deposits, and any messages from Social Security without waiting on hold.
To create or sign into your account, go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" sign-in button. You will need an email address and a password. If you do not have an account yet, you can set one up in a few minutes using your Social Security number and other identifying information.
If you prefer not to use the online account, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the week.
Key Takeaways
- Your my Social Security account shows your payment amount, deposit date, and any recent changes to your case without needing to call.
- You can check your status online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- If you receive a notice in the mail about a change to your benefits, log into your account or call to understand what changed and why.
- Direct deposit is the only way Social Security pays SSI — if you have not set up direct deposit, you need to do that before your first payment.
What information you can see in your account
Once you are logged into my Social Security, you can view your current monthly payment amount, the date your payment will arrive each month, and a record of all payments you have received. The account also shows your address and contact information on file, so you can check that Social Security has the right phone number and mailing address for you.
If Social Security has sent you a notice about your case — for example, a notice about a medical review, a change in your payment, or a request for information — you can often read that notice in your account under the "Messages" section. This is where Social Security will also tell you if they need documents from you or if there is a problem with your case.
You can also see your work history and earnings record in the account, which matters for SSI because your income affects your payment amount. If you see earnings listed that are not correct, you can report that through the account or by calling Social Security.
What to do if your payment is late or missing
SSI payments are deposited on the first of each month, or on the first business day if the first falls on a weekend or holiday. If you do not see your payment arrive by the second business day of the month, log into your account and check the deposit date listed there — sometimes the date shifts by a day or two depending on the calendar.
If the account shows your payment should have arrived and it has not, call 1-800-772-1213 and tell them your payment is missing. Have your bank account information ready. Social Security can check whether the payment was sent to your bank and, if there was a problem, can reissue it. This usually takes a few business days.
If you recently started receiving SSI and have not received your first payment yet, check your account to see the scheduled deposit date. First payments sometimes take longer than monthly payments after that. If the date has passed and you still have not received it, call Social Security to confirm your direct deposit information is correct.
Understanding notices and changes to your benefits
When Social Security makes a change to your SSI payment — whether an increase, a decrease, or a stop — they send you a notice in the mail explaining why. This notice will also appear in your my Social Security account. Read it carefully, because it tells you what Social Security thinks has changed about your situation and when the change takes effect.
Common reasons for changes include a change in your living situation, a change in your income or resources, a medical review, or a change in your work activity. If you disagree with the change, the notice will tell you how to request a reconsideration or appeal. You usually have 60 days from the date on the notice to ask Social Security to look at it again.
If you do not understand why your payment changed, call Social Security and ask them to explain the notice. They can walk you through what happened and answer questions about whether the change is correct.
Setting up or updating direct deposit
SSI is only paid by direct deposit — Social Security no longer issues paper checks. If you have not set up direct deposit yet, you need to do that before your first payment arrives. You can set it up through your my Social Security account by entering your bank account and routing number, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and give that information over the phone.
If you need to change which bank account your SSI goes to, you can update that in your account or by calling. The change usually takes effect within one or two months. If you are switching banks, make sure your new account is open and active before you change the information with Social Security.
If you do not have a bank account, you can use a prepaid card or a check-cashing account that accepts direct deposit. Some community banks and credit unions also offer low-cost accounts for people receiving benefits. Ask your bank or credit union what options they have.
Reporting changes that affect your SSI
You are required to report certain changes to Social Security within 10 days, because they can affect your payment amount. These include a change in where you live, a change in your living situation (like moving in with someone else), a change in your income, a change in your resources or savings, or a change in your marital status.
You can report these changes through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office. If you report a change and Social Security needs more information, they will send you a notice or a message in your account asking for documents or details.
If you do not report a change and Social Security finds out about it later, they may reduce your payment or ask you to repay benefits you were not supposed to receive. Reporting changes on time protects you and keeps your case accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my SSI status?
Check your account at least once a month, around the time your payment should arrive, to make sure the deposit went through. Also check whenever you receive a notice in the mail from Social Security, so you understand what changed and why. If your situation changes — your income, where you live, or who you live with — check your account after you report the change to see if your payment amount shifts.
What if I forgot my my Social Security password?
Go to ssa.gov and click the sign-in button. Select "Forgot username or password?" and follow the steps to reset it. You will need to answer security questions or verify your identity another way. If you cannot reset it online, call 1-800-772-1213 and Social Security can help you regain access to your account.
Can someone else check my SSI status for me?
Only you can log into your account unless you give someone power of attorney or representative payee authority. If you want a family member or caregiver to help manage your benefits, you can set up a representative payee through Social Security. That person can then handle payments and report changes on your behalf, though Social Security will still send notices to you as well.
What does it mean if my account shows a "representative payee"?
A representative payee is someone Social Security has authorized to receive and manage your SSI payments on your behalf. This usually happens if Social Security believes you cannot manage your benefits alone due to age, disability, or other reasons. Your representative payee receives your payment and is supposed to use it for your needs. You can ask Social Security to change or remove a representative payee if you believe you can manage your benefits yourself.