The official Social Security website is ssa.gov

ssa.gov is the only website run by the Social Security Administration itself. It is where you find official information about benefits, create an account, check your earnings record, and handle some transactions online. If you see a Social Security website that is not ssa.gov, it is run by a third party — sometimes helpful, often trying to sell you something.

The site can be slow and the design is dated, but the information is accurate and there are no hidden fees. You do not pay to use ssa.gov. If a website asks you to pay to access Social Security information or to "help" you with your claim, that is a sign you are not on the official site.

Social Security also runs a separate site called my Social Security (mySocialSecurity.gov), which is where you create your personal account. This is different from the main ssa.gov homepage — my Social Security is the portal where you log in to see your own information.

Key Takeaways

  • ssa.gov is the official Social Security Administration website; any other domain is run by a private company or scammer.
  • mySocialSecurity.gov is where you create a personal account to view your earnings record and manage your own benefits.
  • You can check your earnings history, request a replacement card, and report changes to your benefits through your my Social Security account.
  • Social Security will never ask for your password, PIN, or full Social Security number by email or phone — if someone does, it is a scam.
  • If you cannot find what you need online, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person.

What you can do on ssa.gov

The main Social Security website (ssa.gov) holds general information: how benefits work, who is may have access to to them, how much they pay, and what documents you need. You can read about retirement, survivor benefits, disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare. The site also has a benefit calculator that estimates what you might receive based on your age and earnings history.

You cannot file a claim or check your personal information on the main ssa.gov homepage. For that, you need to go to my Social Security and log into your account. The main site is for reading and learning; your account is for doing.

How to create and use a my Social Security account

Go to mySocialSecurity.gov and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or address on file. The site will ask you security questions based on your credit history.

Once you are logged in, you can view your earnings record (the wages Social Security has on file for you), check the status of any claim you have filed, change your address or phone number, and request a replacement Social Security card. You can also set up direct deposit for your benefits and change your payment method.

If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address. If you forget your username, the site can send it to you. Do not call Social Security to ask them to reset your account — they will direct you back to the website.

Spotting fake Social Security websites

Scammers create websites that look almost identical to ssa.gov. They use domain names like "socialsecurity.gov" (missing the "ssa"), "social-security.gov" (with a hyphen), or "mysocialsecurity.net" (wrong ending). Always check the address bar carefully before you enter any information.

Real Social Security websites will never ask you to pay a fee, read software, or give your full Social Security number upfront. If a site asks for your password or PIN, close it when ready — Social Security staff will never ask for these by email or phone. If you are unsure whether a site is real, type ssa.gov directly into your browser instead of clicking a link from an email or search result.

If you think you have visited a fake site or received a scam email claiming to be from Social Security, report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.

Other websites that mention Social Security

Medicare.gov is the official site for Medicare information and is run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), not Social Security. However, Social Security handles some Medicare enrollment, so the two sites link to each other. Medicare.gov is legitimate and free to use.

Benefits.gov is a government site that lists many federal benefit programs in one place, including Social Security. It is run by the Department of Labor and is a real resource, but it does not replace ssa.gov — it just points you toward the programs you might be interested in.

Many private websites and apps claim to help you with Social Security claims or benefits. Some charge fees; others are free but make money by selling your information. None of them are official, and none can speed up Social Security's process. If you need help, contact Social Security directly or ask a trusted family member to help you navigate ssa.gov.

What to do if you cannot access the website

Social Security's website sometimes goes down for maintenance, usually at night or on weekends. If you cannot reach ssa.gov or mySocialSecurity.gov, wait a few hours and try again. You can also check the Social Security Twitter account (@SSA_Announces) for updates on outages.

If the website is working but you are having trouble logging in or finding information, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one by entering your zip code on ssa.gov.

If you do not have internet access or are not comfortable using computers, calling or visiting in person is a valid way to handle your Social Security business. You do not have to use the website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mySocialSecurity.gov the same as ssa.gov?

No. ssa.gov is the main Social Security website with general information and resources. mySocialSecurity.gov is your personal account where you log in to see your own earnings record and manage your benefits. You need to create an account on mySocialSecurity.gov to access your personal information.

Can I file a Social Security claim on the website?

You can start a claim on mySocialSecurity.gov for retirement or Medicare, and the site will guide you through the steps. For disability or survivor benefits, you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person. Some claims cannot be filed online.

What if I do not remember my my Social Security username?

Go to mySocialSecurity.gov and click "Forgot username?" The site will send your username to the email address on file. If you do not have access to that email, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you regain access to your account.

Is it safe to create a my Social Security account?

Yes, mySocialSecurity.gov uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. You should still use a strong, unique password and never share your login details. Social Security will never ask for your password by email or phone.

What should I do if I think I found a fake Social Security website?

Do not enter any information on it. Close the browser and report the site to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.