The fastest way to check your Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account. This is the official Social Security Administration website. Once you log in, you can see your earnings history, estimated benefits at different retirement ages, and your current work credits. You do not need to call or visit an office — the online account shows the same information.
Creating the account takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity (usually a phone number or address on file). Social Security will send a verification code to confirm you are the account owner.
If you already have a login for other government services — such as Login.gov or ID.me — you can use that to sign into my Social Security instead of creating a new password.
Key Takeaways
- Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, work credits, and benefit estimates without calling or visiting an office.
- You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number or address to verify your identity during setup.
- Your earnings history updates once per year, usually in March or April, so the most recent year may not appear yet.
- If you spot an error in your earnings record, report it to Social Security within three years, three months, and 15 days of the year the error occurred.
- You can check your account from any device with internet access, and Social Security will not ask for your full Social Security number or password by email or phone.
What information appears in your my Social Security account
Your account shows your earnings history — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on record for each year you worked. This is the foundation for your benefit amount. The account also displays your work credits, which are the quarters you have earned toward retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. You need 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work) to receive retirement benefits.
You will also see benefit estimates for three scenarios: if you claim at your full retirement age, if you claim early at 62, and if you delay until 70. These estimates are based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until the age shown. The estimates update each year as your earnings history changes.
The account does not show your current benefit payment amount if you are already receiving benefits — for that, log into your account and look for the "Benefit Verification Letter" or contact Social Security directly.
How to set up your my Social Security account step by step
Start at ssa.gov/myaccount. Click "Create an account" and enter your email address. Social Security will send you a link to verify the email — click it within 24 hours.
Next, you will create a password. Social Security requires at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character (like ! or @). Write this password down or use a password manager.
Then Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. You can choose to receive a code by phone call or text message to a number on file, or by email. Enter the code when it arrives. If you do not have a phone number or address on file with Social Security, you may need to visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify in person.
Once verified, you can log in and view your account. Bookmark the login page so you do not accidentally use a phishing site.
When your earnings history updates and why it might be incomplete
Social Security updates your earnings record once per year, usually between March and April. If you worked in the most recent year, that income will not appear in your account until the next update cycle. This is normal and does not mean your earnings were not recorded.
If you are self-employed, your earnings appear after you file your tax return. If you filed an extension, your Social Security record will update later than usual.
Earnings from the current year will not show until the following spring. If you are checking your account to plan your retirement, remember that the most recent year of income is not yet included in your benefit estimate.
How to report an error in your earnings record
If you see a year where your earnings are missing or wrong, report it to Social Security as soon as you notice it. You have a three-year, three-month, and 15-day window from the end of the year the error occurred to report it. After that deadline, Social Security cannot correct the record.
To report an error, gather your tax return or W-2 from that year and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number and the year in question ready. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person with your tax documents.
Social Security will investigate and contact you if they need more information. Corrections usually take several weeks. If the error affects your benefit amount, Social Security will recalculate your benefits once the record is corrected.
Protecting your my Social Security login from fraud
Use a strong, unique password for your my Social Security account — do not reuse a password from another website. If that other site is hacked, criminals can try the same password on your Social Security account.
Social Security will never ask you for your password, full Social Security number, or personal information by email or phone. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security asking you to "verify" your account or "update" your information, it is a phishing scam. Do not click the link. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser.
Enable two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it on your account. This adds an extra step when you log in from a new device, making it harder for someone else to access your account even if they have your password.
What to do if you cannot create an account or forgot your password
If you cannot verify your identity online, you will need to visit a local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to set up your account in person. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return).
If you forgot your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you no longer have access to that email, call 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you regain access.
If your account was locked due to too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. If it remains locked, call Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check someone else's Social Security account?
No. Only the account owner can log in. If you are a representative payee managing benefits for someone else, you have a separate login. If you need information about someone else's account, they must log in themselves or give you written permission to contact Social Security on their behalf.
How often should I check my Social Security account?
Check it once per year, ideally before March or April when the new earnings record updates. This gives you time to spot and report any errors before the three-year reporting window closes. If you are close to retirement, check it more often to track your benefit estimate as you approach your target retirement age.
What if my estimated benefit amount seems too low?
Review your earnings history to see if any years are missing or incorrect. Years with no earnings (such as time out of the workforce) lower your average. If you spot an error, report it with your tax documents. If the record is correct, your estimate is accurate based on what Social Security has on file.
Is my Social Security account information secure?
Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. However, no online account is completely risk-free. Use a strong password, do not share your login, and never click links in emails claiming to be from Social Security. Go directly to ssa.gov instead.
Can I check my benefits if I am already receiving them?
Yes. Log into your my Social Security account and look for your "Benefit Verification Letter" or payment information. If you need details about your current payment amount or payment schedule, you can view that in your account or call 1-800-772-1213.