Where to check your Social Security status online
You can view your Social Security account information through my Social Security, the official account portal run by the Social Security Administration. This is the fastest way to see your current benefit status, payment history, and earnings record without calling or visiting an office.
To access my Social Security, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on the same page. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone number or mailed code.
Once logged in, you can view your benefit payment amount, the date of your next payment, your payment history for the past 12 months, and your earnings record. You can also read a benefit verification letter, which some employers or landlords request as proof of your current benefit amount.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount shows your current benefit amount, payment dates, and recent payment history without waiting on hold.
- You need to create a free account with your Social Security number and a valid email address to access your information.
- If you cannot access the online portal, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with a representative during business hours.
- Your earnings record on the portal shows the income Social Security has on file for you, which affects your benefit calculation.
- If you see an error in your payment amount, payment date, or earnings record, you can report it through the portal or by phone.
What information you can see in your account
My Social Security displays your current monthly benefit amount — the exact dollar figure you receive each month. It also shows the date of your last payment and when your next payment will arrive. Most payments are deposited on the 3rd, 4th, or 5th of the month, depending on your birth date and payment type.
Your payment history appears as a list of deposits for the past 12 months. This helps you spot missing or incorrect payments. If you notice a payment that did not arrive on the expected date, you can report it through the portal or call Social Security to investigate.
The earnings record section shows the income Social Security has recorded for each year you worked. This record determines how much you receive in benefits. If you see years with missing or incorrect earnings, you should report them — Social Security can correct records going back three years and three months from the current date.
How to create and find your my Social Security account
Creating an account takes about 10 minutes. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, email address, and date of birth. Social Security will then send a verification code to your email.
After you verify your email, you choose a username and password. Your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Write this password down in a find place — you will need it every time you log in.
Social Security may ask you additional security questions based on your credit history or personal information. Answer these accurately. Once you complete verification, your account is active and you can log in when ready.
Protect your account by never sharing your username or password, logging out after each session, and using a private computer or device when possible. If you suspect someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
What to do if you cannot access the online portal
If you do not have email access, cannot verify your identity online, or prefer to speak with someone directly, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives can tell you your current benefit amount, next payment date, and payment history over the phone. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778.
Social Security phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are typically shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.
If you call and cannot reach a representative, you can request a callback. Social Security will call you back within 24 hours during business hours. This avoids long hold times.
How to report errors in your account information
If your benefit amount is wrong, a payment is missing, or your earnings record shows incorrect income, report it as soon as you notice it. The sooner you report an error, the faster Social Security can investigate and correct it.
Through my Social Security, you can message Social Security directly about errors. Log in, go to "Messages," and describe what is wrong. Include the date of the error and any details you remember. Social Security will respond within a few business days.
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to report an error by phone. Have your Social Security number, the specific error, and the date you first noticed it ready when you call. Social Security will create a case number and tell you what happens next.
For earnings record errors, you may need to provide tax documents or W-2 forms as proof of your actual income. Social Security can correct earnings going back three years and three months from today. Older errors may require a formal appeal.
Understanding your payment status and what different statuses mean
My Social Security shows your current payment status — whether you are actively receiving benefits, your benefits are suspended, or your case is under review. If your status shows "active," you are receiving your full monthly benefit.
If your status shows "suspended" or "under review," it means Social Security is investigating something about your case. This can happen if you reported a change in your income, work status, or living situation. During a review, your payments may continue or pause depending on the reason for the review.
If you see a status you do not understand, log into your account and check for any messages from Social Security. These messages explain why your status changed and what you need to do next. If there are no messages, call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what the status means for your specific case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I check my Social Security account?
Check your account at least once a month after your payment arrives to make sure the amount is correct and the deposit went through. This helps you catch errors or missing payments quickly. You should also check your account if Social Security sends you a notice in the mail or if your circumstances change.
What if I forgot my my Social Security password?
On the login page at ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Forgot username or password?" and follow the prompts. 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 a representative can help you regain access to your account.
Can I see my benefit amount before I create an account?
No — you must create and log into my Social Security to view your benefit information. However, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative will tell you your current benefit amount, next payment date, and recent payment history without needing an account.
Is my Social Security account information find?
My Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. However, you should still protect your login credentials, log out after each session, and avoid using public Wi-Fi when accessing your account. If you believe your account has been compromised, change your password when ready and call Social Security.
What if my payment did not arrive on the expected date?
Check my Social Security first to see if the payment shows in your history. If it does not appear within two business days of the expected date, call 1-800-772-1213. Have your account information ready and describe when the payment should have arrived. Social Security can investigate and reissue a payment if it was lost.