Have you ever received a Social Security Statement in the mail? You know, the one that shows all the earnings you’ve had each year and how much you could receive per month in Social Security benefits when you retire? The Statement contains crucial information workers need to plan for a comfortable retirement. Now, thanks to my Social Security, this information—and so much more— is only a few minutes away!
Your personal my Social Security account is secure and gives you ready access to your earnings records, Social Security benefit estimates, and printable Statements. Those who already receive benefits can view their payment history, current status, and manage their benefits.
To open a personal my Social Security account, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and select “Create an Account” to get started. You must be 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, U.S. mailing address (or a military address if deployed overseas), and an email address.
In some cases — like if there was reported credit card fraud under your name or Social Security number — you may have to contact your local Social Security office to open a my Social Security account.
Once registered, you can:
- Verify your earnings history;
- View estimated Social Security benefits based on your past earnings;
- View Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid over your lifetime,
- Print your current Social Security Statement; and
- Request a replacement Social Security card (in some states)
If you’re currently getting benefits, you can:
- View benefit payment information;
- Change your address and phone number;
- Start or change electronic payments;
- Get a replacement Medicare card;
- Get a replacement 1099 for tax season; and,
- Get a benefit verification letter.
When you sign up for a personal my Social Security account, we use a secure authentication process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security Statement information. In addition to your unique username and password, you can also further protect your my Social Security account with a secure code texted to your phone every time you log in.
Just one more way Social Security strives to provide customers with peace of mind. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
This sounds like a great idea, information with just an email account..
Thanks for your comment, David! In addition to a valid email address, you will need a Social Security number, a U.S. mailing address, and be at least 18 years old, to create a my Social Security account.
I don’t trust this ad
They want my SS #
I don’t think the SS admin would send out this email
Hello Casey. This is not an ad. It’s our blog — Social Security Matters – Our goal is to gives readers information about a variety of topics, including our programs, online services, current events, and human-interest stories, usually in greater detail than typically shared on our other social media platforms.
Creating a mySocialSecurity account is safe and secure. You can create an account to review estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, your earnings record, and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. To get started, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/. We hope this helps!
Its true! Social Security DOES STUPIDLY ask you to type your ss# in an email. EVERYONE should know that you NEVER type it in email . But we re talking about SS who also prints your full social on mail they send you,AGAIN STUPID! In addition they dont even know how to verify you when setting up this online account…THEY DO A CREDIT CHECK TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY..AGAIN,HOW STUPID IS THAT???? Nothing more than SS being nosey about what youre buying and paying or not paying for. If they have to use a credit check (someone else) to verify your identity that tells you something. You NEVER leave social on email or voice mail and you NEVER give your entire social to anyone. These people DO NOT protect your social and that includes SSA. Remember the IRS freely admits every year that they pay millions out to identity theives using others socials. They DONT STOP IT ..THEY DO IT OVER AND OVER AND ADMIT IT EVERY YEAR. Also this is for the convienance of lazy employees NOT for you. Keep SSA working by NOT signing up for anything online.
It’s posts like this that make surfing so much plearuse
wao that is great
Essays like this are so important to brnideoang people’s horizons.
I live in the Netherlands and receive social security.
Can I still open a My Social security Account?
The ought to be a way for online verification if one has a freeze on their credit — say like what the Treasury Dept did for the bond site — one time code sent to the email address to log on. I have had a freeze on my credit for an extended length of time and to go to the local Social Security office for a log on is archaic.
I live In a rural area and can not use a cell phone to get access to my SSA website. I can not afford to go to US cellular and Pay $60.00’s a mouth so I can get access to a cell phone to receive a code to Get in. Microsoft has much more to lose then the Government and they make it easy r those who can not get a code, They do it through Email. The Government has taken away from me the right to have access to my account. There are more ways to secure a site then a cell phone. It is time that the small person is taken care of. PLEASE Supply me with the funds to purchase a contract From US Cellar. I am on disables and don’t have money to throw away on a phone. Please Find another way also for security.
Great Customer offering, especially for those of us claiming benefits.
Social Security is a great institution. My Social Security is very convenient and timely.
Well done web site. Easy to navigate and find the information needed. Valuable tool for those of us in the income tax profession.
I am pleased to have registered as a recipient of SSA news, especially information relative to me personally. Thank you!
Keep in mind with a huge civilian database, information must be protected to prevent identity theft. SSA’s web pages say almost 455,000,000 people have or had SSNs. What is available is very helpful as Congress continues to reduce the budget. This has resulted in some offices closing, stations in remote areas also closing and 10% staffing losses since 2011 according to a recent article in the Washington Post. The taxpayers paid for these services while Congress determines how much (or little) to actually spend.
My greatest concern about online of any kind regards to my personal information
Hack jacking personal information on line
thank you – it was much easier this year posting my thoughts to you!!.
The problem with this is that if you are divorced and receiving benefits from your ex-spouse you cannot view, or estimate what your benefits will be when you retire, because the system states, “you are already receiving YOUR retirement benefits”. Which is NOT true. You need to fix the system, as it is broken. I am not receiving my benefits. I am still working, my ex-husband was a lot older than me, I am receiving his benefits now that we are divorced. I want to verify my work history salary and determine what my SS benefits will be when I want to retire after I am age 70. Can’t do that….
Hi Barb, thanks for your comment. You may be interested in using our Quick Calculator to get an estimate of your benefit amount.
This is so, so wrong! You are still working but receiving benefits from an ex-husband? No wonder Social Security is running out of money. I’m not saying you’re doing anything wrong….obviously this must be legal, but the rules MUST BE changed!!
I might be wrong, but I believe she is only getting a portion of HIS social security. She is not getting a money handed to her by SSA and it will affect (lower) the amount she gets when she retires from her job. His social security benefits are less because she gets some of his. If she wasn’t getting it, then he would still get the money that is going to her so it doesn’t change what is being paid out overall. He worked all his life and paid into the system and is getting a small amount of that back (part of it goes to her). Social security is not running out of money because people that worked all their lives and paid into it are getting a small percentage back, it is running out because of the many social welfare programs that pay money out to those that rarely, if ever, pay into the system.
You are completely wrong. The husband is NOT getting a lesser amount or paying any amount to his ex-wife. He gets his full amount regardless. She is only getting half of what the amount based on his earnings is. When she retires, If it turns out her own benefit is higher than the half-amount she receives on her ex-husband’s earning record, then she will lose his benefit. You can’t double dip…you get either your own benefit OR your former spouses half-benefit, not both! And you must have been married at minimum 10 years before the divorce. So if a man is married 10 years and divorced, and then remarries and gets divorced from second wife after another full 10 years, the SECOND WIFE is also entitled to half of his benefit. But it never lessens the husbands own benefit. However the ex wives (or husbands in the reverse situation) MUST be full retirement age themselves to be eligible. And again, each gets only ONE benefit, but it will be the larger benefit based on their own individual situation. And they must wait until their own full retirement age for this benefit. They are not eligible at age 62 for this benefit. READ THE INFO PUT OUT BY SS OR GO TALK TO A SS AGENT IN PERSON. GET THE FACTS! I DID!
I didn’t know all about this.
I have been getting the News Paper.
Pleasing you should think of sotnhmieg like that
My house is curntrely full of flowers as I try to woo Spring to arrive a little earlier! I might be tempted to bring in and force some branches soon as well as these are so very pretty. xx
So does this mean we don’t have a choice to have our statements mailed to us anymore?
Hello Vicki, thank you for this question. We still mail Social Security Statements to workers attaining ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, and 60 and over, who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a my Social Security account. We mail the Statements three months prior to your birthday. We issue Statements by mail in English (or in Spanish if you live in Puerto Rico). If you receive your Statement in English and would like to receive it in Spanish, or vice versa, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213(TTY 1-800-325-0778), or visit your local Social Security office.
I did no receive mine two years ago when I was 40. But I was always receiving it in past every year to my current address. Why didn’t I receive it two years ago?
I live in Poland and I receive social security benefit and I still have US mailing address, can I have social security account although I currently do not reside in USA? Thanks for your superior services.
Hello Mohamed: Thank you for your kind words. The “mySocialSecurity” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. You will need a U.S. address to register for a mySocialSecurity account but do not need a U.S. address to file online for benefits or receive benefits. Since you are living outside of the U.S., you can also contact your local Embassy or Consulate at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign/foreign.htm to find out information about your account or any claims that you may file online. Hope this helps!
I believe SS payments go only SS benefits not to any welfare etc programs.
That’s the peecfrt insight in a thread like this.
CAN YOU ASK QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT ABOUT TO DAYS TOPIC?
I just tried to sign up for My Social Security online and when I submitted the first page, I received a notice that my account has been suspended. Why?
Hello Martha. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
You’re a real deep thknrei. Thanks for sharing.
I live in Canada and don’t have a US mailing address, however still have family in the US. Can I set up an online SS account using their address? If not, who do I contact as I would like to begin the application for benefits soon. Thanks.
Hi Mary. The “mySocialSecurity” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. Even though you need a U.S. address to create a my Social Security account, you do not need a U.S. address to apply for your Retirement Benefits online. For direct assistance related to your application and your Social Security benefits, please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate. In addition, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this information helps.
Thanks for your response. Very helpful!
Hi Ray–Thanks for taking the time to respond to everyone here and thanks for helping to get the cell phone/texting requirement lifted. Another concern for me: As an overseas US citizen it would be ideal to be able to have an online account in order to access my social security info. Do you know if they are mailing the statements to overseas citizens still? I haven’t gotten one in a long time although I’m aware of the 2011-14 budgetary issue that stopped the mailings for those years. That gets me to my main point: The SSA should be encouraging EVERYONE, CONUS and overseas, to get on-board with the online accounts, especially given the current era of identity theft. Since the SSA relies on the IRS to provide them with a person’s valid mailing address, including citizens living outside the U.S., I would think that as long as the address of the applying person matches what the IRS has on file that should be enough. I can’t think of any other reason that the system should not support registration if you live outside the states and have a valid IRS-matched address, but maybe there’s something else that prevents it. If there’s any way you could encourage the people handling this issue to have another look, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
Your Social Security Statement is now at your fingertips? Well that’s all fine but it does not help the discrimination which is happening right now at the Socialist security administration. You see, if you happen to be a physically disabled person and you marry an able bodied person, then the SOCIALIST SECURITY system will use special “Rules” to legally discriminate against you and deny you benefits. The SOCIALIST SECURITY system has caused me a lot of economic hardship all because I married an able bodied person. The SOCIALIST SECURITY system thinks someone who is physically disabled (permanently and totally disabled) marries an “able bodied person”, that somehow magically they are cured of their physical disability and two people can survive off the able bodied persons income. WOW, talk about a bunch of bureaucratic idiotic thinking, that somehow this would not cause a financial hardship….. amazing.
The rules that the Social Security Administration uses to legally discriminate against persons who are “Adult Disabled Children” who happen to marry an able bodied person, are discriminatory. This is loosely referred to as the “marriage penalty” but I call it exactly what it is, a legal form of discrimination.
I firmly believe this rule, is an act of bias, prejudice and discrimination against people who (by no fault of their own) are born disabled and happen to marry an able bodied person
Please write your Congressional Representative and tell them to end this modern day form of Legal Discrimination. In this day of fairness and equality, there are still some people suffering from an outdated and oppressive bureaucratic rule.
And thanks, I know about the highly discriminatory and prejudice filled Adult Disabled Child “rules” about marrying another disabled person and how I cannot marry an “able bodied person” or I loose all benefits. It is a lot like the Socialist Security administration telling me that they have rules against me marrying a certain race, age group, sexual orientation, etc. Its all discrimination even if YOU CALL IT A DIFFERENT NAME!
There should be a way to set up one’s account of there is freeze on one’s credit — like what the Treasury Dept did with the Treasury Bonds Site — send a one time code with a time out feature to the email address that is verified to be true. To go to a local office to set an acct because one is being careful with one’s credit is archaic.
The Lein from IRS should be dropped. Please change and update the current amount and restore my full benefits.
thanks
Bill Soltis
Hi Bill. We have no control over this reduction of Social Security benefits. You cannot appeal the reduction of a Social Security benefit payment under tax levy to Social Security. Contact the Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-7650 or The Department of the Treasury at 1-800-304-3107. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
“I (also) just tried to sign up for My Social Security online and when I submitted the first page, I received a notice that my account has been suspended.”
I called the ‘help desk’ at phone 1-800-772-1213; the person I talked with suggested I contact my local Social Security Office.
Save you time, call the local office first.
This sounds like a great idea! Having instant access to our personal Social Security information online is indeed going to be very useful! An easy and convenient way to get the information needed.
I don’t think the new procedure to log into the “my social security” web page is fair for people that don’t have a cell phone or texting service for such phone. That extra layer of protection is an exaggeration and another example o a bureaucratic system out of control. That web page service is paid by taxpayer money! I’m a tax payer and I’ll not have access to my info on line because I don’t have a cell phone. I hope that this new procedure is reversed and that plain old common sense will be restored.
Can not log in to my account.
The login box will not accept the symbol and all the numbers that were texted.
Have tried many times.
Please advise.
Sorry, but I think this is all BS. First, you cannot require everyone to have a cell phone & pay for texting. Secondly, how is this more secure than accessing SSA via a PC? Both can be hacked.
When I established my SSA on-line account in 2014 I was asked to provide answers for 3 security questions. Why not require those who log on via PC to supply the answer to 1 of their security questions as part of the process rather than sending a code in an unsecure text message to an unsecure cell phone number and requiring everyone to use only an unsecure cell phone to log in each time? Really!!!
Also, I have not been required to change my password since 11/5/14. Requiring periodic password updates might help with security as well.
I agree with the AARP and other senior citizen groups that this just makes communicating with SSA much harder.
Today, I will be contacting each of my AR congressmen and the POTUS asking them to get involved in rejecting this new system and demand accountability as to why this was initiated without notifying SSA recipients that this would happen. After all, you have all of our email addresses already if we have on-line accounts.
This is just a stupid, stupid bureaucratic blunder that probably cost millions to implement.
I am very concerned about this cell phone text verification method. As other poster said, many many banks and other high security sites allow alternate forms of verification codes, like voice or email codes. Yes, there were also those private questions we filled out. Now I cannot even get into my account to ask for my statement to be MAILED to me. Last time I called SS, I waited nearly an hour to talk to an agent and the survey had the SHORTEST wait time as 15 minutes. This is archaic. The number one poverty group in the country is retirees. This is purely GRAFT benefiting the CELL PHONE PROVIDERS. UNFAIR!
We listened to the public’s concerns. We are responding by removing the requirement to use a cell phone to access the my Social Security account. While it is not mandatory, we encourage you who have a text capable cell phone to take advantage of this optional extra security, which has always been available. We continue to pursue more options beyond cell phone texting. Thanks!
Hi Ray–Thanks for taking the time to respond to everyone here and thanks for helping to get the cell phone/texting requirement lifted. Another concern for me: As an overseas US citizen it would be ideal to be able to have an online account in order to access my social security info. Do you know if they are mailing the statements to overseas citizens still? I haven’t gotten one in a long time although I’m aware of the 2011-14 budgetary issue that stopped the mailings for those years. That gets me to my main point: The SSA should be encouraging EVERYONE, CONUS and overseas, to get on-board with the online accounts, especially given the current era of identity theft. Since the SSA relies on the IRS to provide them with a person’s valid mailing address, including citizens living outside the U.S., I would think that as long as the address of the applying person matches what the IRS has on file that should be enough. I can’t think of any other reason that the system should not support registration if you live outside the states and have a valid IRS-matched address, but maybe there’s something else that prevents it. If there’s any way you could encourage the people handling this issue to have another look, that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!
Your comments are well taken and we assure you that we are continuously working to further improve Social Security online services that we offer via our website http://www.ssa.gov. We currently mail Statements to workers attaining ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and older three months prior to their birthday, if they don’t receive Social Security benefits and don’t have a my Social Security account. Workers who do not want to wait for their scheduled mailing or cannot create an account, can request their Social Security Statement by following these instructions. The Statement will arrive by mail in four to six weeks. We like to remind our customers living abroad, to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance related to Social Security benefits and available services. We thank you for your feedback!
This is the perfect way to break down this infmoration.
I am currently receiving spousal benefits while I continue to build my own benefits. When I visit my ‘MySocialSecurity’ acct; I can only view the benefits I am receiving – is there a way to see what/or how my own acct is growing?
Hi Greg, you can request your Social Security Statement by following these instructions. The Statement will arrive by mail in four to six weeks.
I am a US citizen, living in Canada, and want to open a My Social Security Account. I have a SS#, e-mail account, am way over the age of 18, but do not have a US mailing address. I am not nor ever have been in the military. Can I still set up an online account? If so, how do I go about doing this? I would like to apply to start receiving SS benefits as I am nearing 62 years of age.
Thank you for using our online services Susan! The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. If you are in Canada, you may obtain services from an SSA Field Office (FO), or you can contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides important information to assist Social Security customers who are outside the U.S. We hope this information helps.