You can check your Social Security account through a free government website called my Social Security

To see your Social Security record, you create an account on ssa.gov/myaccount — the official Social Security Administration website. Once you log in, you can view your earnings history, see what benefits you might receive at different ages, and check whether Social Security has a record of your work history. This is the only official way to access your account online.

You do not need to visit an office or call anyone to set up an account. The whole process happens on your computer or phone, and it takes about 10 minutes the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Create your account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email address, Social Security number, and a phone number where you can receive a code.
  • Your earnings history shows what Social Security has recorded for each year you worked, which directly affects your future benefits.
  • You can see an estimate of what you might receive at age 62, your full retirement age, or age 70, all in one place.
  • If you spot errors in your earnings record, you can report them through the website or by contacting Social Security directly.

Creating your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" or "Sign up now." You will need your email address, your Social Security number, and a phone number where you can receive a text message or voice call with a verification code. Social Security will send you a code to confirm you are the person creating the account.

After you enter the code, you will create a password. Make it something you can remember but that is not straightforward to guess — avoid birthdays or straightforward sequences. Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to check your information.

What your earnings record shows

Your earnings history is a year-by-year record of how much money Social Security says you earned. This matters because your future benefits are based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you see a year with no earnings or very low earnings that you know is wrong, you can report it.

Social Security gets this information from your employer's tax reports. Sometimes there are delays — earnings from the current year may not show up until the following year. If you worked under a different name or Social Security number at any point, those earnings might be recorded separately, and you may need to contact Social Security to combine them.

Viewing your benefit estimates

Once you log in, you can see three different benefit amounts: what you would receive if you started at age 62 (the earliest age), what you would receive at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and what you would receive if you waited until age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you keep working until that age.

These numbers change as you earn more. If you have not worked recently, your estimates may be lower than they will be later. The website updates your record once a year, usually in the fall.

Reporting errors in your earnings record

If you see earnings that are missing or recorded under the wrong amount, you can report the error through your account. You will need to provide proof, such as a tax return, W-2 form, or pay stub from that year. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if the error is confirmed.

Errors are more common than you might think, especially if you changed jobs, worked for multiple employers in one year, or had a name change. It is worth checking your record every few years to catch mistakes early, since corrections can take time.

What to do if you cannot create an account online

If you have trouble setting up your account — for example, if you do not have a phone number where you can receive a text — you can still view your earnings record by mail. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to send you a Statement of Earnings. This is a printed version of your record that arrives in about two weeks.

You can also visit a Social Security office in person with your photo ID and Social Security card. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Offices are usually less crowded in the morning and early in the week.

Protecting your account once it is set up

Your my Social Security account contains sensitive information, so treat your password like you would treat your banking password. Do not share it, do not write it down where others can see it, and do not use the same password on multiple websites. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in or verify information. Social Security will not contact you this way. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links — instead, go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount in your browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my Social Security account?

Once a year is enough for most people. Check it in the fall when Social Security updates your record with the previous year's earnings. If you recently changed jobs or had a major change in income, you might check sooner to make sure the information is correct.

What if I worked under a different name or Social Security number?

Contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 with proof of your name change or the old number you used. They can combine your earnings records so all your work history counts toward your benefits. Bring documents like a marriage certificate or court order if you changed your name.

Can I see my account if I am not yet retired?

Yes. You can create an account at any age as long as you have a Social Security number. Many people in their 30s and 40s check their estimates to see how much they might receive and to catch errors early, when they are easier to fix.

What if I forgot my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it. You will need to verify your identity using the same phone number you used when you created the account, or by answering security questions you set up earlier.

Does checking my account affect my benefits?

No. Viewing your account does not change anything about your benefits or your record. You can log in as many times as you want without any effect on your Social Security status.