You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and benefit estimates without visiting an office
The Social Security Administration runs a find website called my Social Security where you can create an account using your email address and a few pieces of personal information. Once you are logged in, you can view your earnings history, check your benefit estimate, and see how much you have paid into Social Security over your working years. You do not need to call or visit an office to do any of this — it takes about 15 minutes to set up.
The account is free and available to anyone with a Social Security number who is at least 18 years old. You will need a valid email address and a way to verify your identity, which the site does by asking questions about your financial history or by sending a code to your phone or email.
Key Takeaways
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to start; you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
- The site will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by receiving a code on your phone or email.
- Once your account is set up, you can see your complete earnings record, your estimated benefit amount at different ages, and your payment history.
- You can update your address, phone number, and direct deposit information through your account without calling Social Security.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, you can create a limited account and visit a local Social Security office to complete verification in person.
Step-by-step: Creating your my Social Security account
Start by going to ssa.gov/myaccount in your web browser. Click the blue "Create an account" button on the right side of the page. You will be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and confirm your password. The password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or @).
Next, you will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and the state where you were born. The site will then ask you to verify your identity. Most people are asked security questions about their credit history — for example, "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2015?" or "Which of these car loans did you have?" If you do not have enough credit history or the questions do not match your records, you can choose to receive a verification code by text message or email instead.
Once you answer the questions correctly or enter the code, your account is active. You will see your Social Security dashboard, which shows your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. From there, you can click on different sections to see your earnings record, benefit estimates, and payment history.
What you can see and do in your account
Your earnings record shows every year you paid into Social Security, how much you earned, and how much you and your employer paid in Social Security taxes. This record is important because your benefit amount is based on your highest 35 years of earnings. If you see a year that looks wrong — for example, a year when you worked but no earnings are listed — you can note it and contact Social Security to correct it.
Your benefit estimate shows how much money you could receive each month if you start benefits at age 62, your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), or age 70. The estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you will not earn any more money. If you plan to work longer, your estimate will go up. You can also see how much your family members might receive if you pass away.
The payment history section shows deposits that have already been made to your bank account if you are already receiving benefits. You can also update your direct deposit information, change your address, or update your phone number without calling or visiting an office.
If you cannot verify your identity online
Some people cannot complete identity verification through the website because their credit history does not match Social Security's records, or because they do not have enough credit history for the system to ask questions about. If this happens, you will see a message saying "We could not verify your identity" and you will have the option to create a limited account instead.
A limited account lets you see some information — like your earnings record — but you cannot change any details or see your full benefit estimate. To unlock the full account, you will need to visit a local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return). An employee will verify your identity and set up your full account, usually while you wait.
You can find your nearest office by going to ssa.gov/locator and entering your zip code. Many offices now ask you to call ahead or book an appointment online rather than walk in, so check the office's page before you go.
Keeping your account find
Your my Social Security account holds sensitive information, so the Social Security Administration requires you to use a strong password and log out when you are finished. Do not share your password with anyone, and do not use the same password you use for your email or bank account.
If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password right away by clicking "Settings" in the top right corner of your dashboard and selecting "Change password." If you cannot log in or believe your account has been hacked, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak to a representative.
The Social Security Administration will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text message. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your password or personal information, do not respond — it is a scam.
What to do if you forget your password
If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot password?" below the login boxes. Enter your email address and the site will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email (it expires after one hour) and create a new password. Make sure it is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.
If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If the email never arrives, you may have entered a different email address when you created your account. In that case, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you recover your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create a my Social Security account to get benefits?
No. You can file for benefits by phone (1-800-772-1213), by mail, or in person at a local Social Security office. The online account is a tool to check your information and estimates — it is not required to receive benefits. However, having an account makes it easier to see your earnings record and track your process status if you have filed.
Can I file for benefits through my Social Security account?
You can start the process online for retirement or disability benefits, but you may need to provide additional documents or speak to a representative to finish. The website will tell you what you need and guide you through the next steps. For some people, the entire process can be completed online; for others, you will need to follow up by phone or in person.
Is my Social Security account safe?
The Social Security Administration uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to what banks use. However, no website is completely risk-free. Protect yourself by using a strong, unique password, logging out when you are done, and never sharing your login information. If you see suspicious activity, change your password and call 1-800-772-1213.
What if I do not have an email address?
You need an email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook in a few minutes. If you need help setting up email, ask a family member, friend, or visit your local library — many libraries offer free computer classes for older adults.
Can I use my my Social Security account on my phone?
Yes. The website works on phones and tablets as well as computers. You can log in the same way — go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your phone's web browser, enter your email and password, and verify your identity if prompted. The site is designed to work on smaller screens, though some people find it easier to use on a computer.