Where to check your Social Security status online

You can view your Social Security account information anytime through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to create a free account or sign in if you already have one. You will need an email address and a way to verify your identity — either a phone number, mailing address, or answers to security questions based on your credit history.

Once you are logged in, you can see your earnings record, check how much you have paid into Social Security over your lifetime, and view an estimate of what your benefits might be at different ages. If you are already receiving benefits, you can also see your payment amount and the date your next payment arrives.

Creating a my Social Security account takes about 10 minutes. If you have trouble with the identity verification step, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for help setting up your account.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount is the official place to check your account, and you can view it from any computer or phone with internet access.
  • Your earnings record shows what you have paid into Social Security each year, and Social Security uses this to calculate your benefit amount.
  • Benefit estimates on the site show what you might receive at ages 62, 67, and 70, based on your current earnings record.
  • If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your payment amount and the exact date each payment will arrive in your bank account or on your card.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, calling 1-800-772-1213 during business hours will connect you with someone who can help you set up your account by phone.

What information you will see in your account

Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record — a year-by-year list of how much you earned and how much you paid into Social Security. Social Security uses this record to calculate your benefit amount, so it is important to check it for mistakes. If you see a year where your earnings look wrong, you can report it through your account or call Social Security to correct it.

The account also displays your benefit estimate. This shows roughly how much you could receive per month if you start benefits at age 62, at your full retirement age (which varies by birth year), or at age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you will keep working until that age. The actual amount you receive may be different depending on when you actually start benefits and whether your earnings change.

If you are already receiving benefits, your account shows your current monthly payment amount and the payment schedule — when each check or direct deposit will arrive. You can also see if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Retirement, Disability (SSDI), or Survivor benefits.

Checking your status if you have already applied for benefits

If you have submitted an process for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you can track the status through my Social Security. Log in and look for a section labeled "Benefits" or "process Status." This will show whether your process is still being reviewed, whether Social Security needs more information from you, or whether a decision has been made.

The status page will tell you what documents or information Social Security is waiting for, if anything. If it says they need something from you, the page will explain what to send and where to send it. You can also upload documents directly through your account in many cases, which is faster than mailing them.

If your process status has not changed in several weeks, or if you see a message asking for information you have already sent, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone who can look into your specific case. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.

What to do if you cannot access my Social Security online

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to use the online account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your status. A representative can tell you your current benefit amount, your payment schedule, and whether any applications are pending. Calls are answered Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator or call the main number above. Bring your Social Security card or a document with your number on it, and be prepared to wait — offices are often busy, especially early in the month. Some offices now offer appointments, so call ahead to ask.

If you have a representative or family member who helps manage your benefits, they can also check your status by calling or visiting an office with a signed authorization form.

Understanding your earnings record and correcting mistakes

Your earnings record is the foundation of your Social Security benefit. Social Security gets this information from the taxes you and your employers have paid over the years. Mistakes can happen — an employer might report your earnings under the wrong name or Social Security number, or a year of self-employment income might not have been recorded.

When you log into my Social Security, review each year's earnings carefully. If you see a year where the amount looks too low or too high, or if you see a year where you worked but no earnings are listed, you can report it. Click on the earnings record section and follow the prompts to report the error. Social Security will ask you for details about the year in question and may ask you to provide a copy of your tax return or W-2 form as proof.

Correcting an error can take several months. Social Security will contact you if they need more information. If you worked for multiple employers in one year, make sure all of them are listed — Social Security adds up all your earnings for the year, so missing an employer means your record will be incomplete.

When to contact Social Security directly about your status

You should call or visit Social Security in person if your online account shows something that does not seem right, if you have not received a payment you were expecting, or if you need to report a change in your situation. Changes that affect your benefits include moving to a different address, getting married or divorced, returning to work, or a significant change in your income.

Call 1-800-772-1213 if you need to report a death in your family — Social Security needs to know this right away so they can stop payments and process any survivor benefits that may be owed. You will need the person's Social Security number and the date of death.

If you are receiving benefits and your payment amount changes unexpectedly, or if you receive a notice in the mail about a change to your benefits, contact Social Security to find out why. Do not ignore notices — they often explain changes you need to know about, and some require you to respond within a certain time frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a my Social Security account to check my status?

No. You can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to ask about your status without creating an account. However, an online account lets you check anytime without waiting on hold or traveling to an office, and you can see detailed information like your full earnings record and exact payment dates.

What if I forgot my my Social Security password?

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page. Social Security will send you a link to reset it by email. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you still cannot reset it, call 1-800-772-1213 for help.

Can I check someone else's Social Security status?

Only if you have legal authority to do so — for example, if you are a court-appointed representative or power of attorney. You will need to provide Social Security with proof of your authority. If you are helping a family member, ask them to create their own account or call Social Security with you present so they can authorize you to discuss their case.

How often should I check my earnings record?

Social Security recommends checking your account at least once a year, especially if you are still working. This gives you time to report any errors before you explore for benefits. If you spot a mistake, report it as soon as you can — Social Security has limits on how far back they can correct records.

What does it mean if my benefit estimate keeps changing?

Your estimate updates each time you earn more money and Social Security records it. If you are still working, your estimate may go up as you add more years of earnings to your record. The estimate assumes you will keep working at the same rate until the age you choose to start benefits, so it may change again as your actual earnings change.