Advantages of a my Social Security Account

When it comes to making complex retirement, tax or estate decisions, having accurate Social Security information is vital for your financial planning. Creating an online my Social Security account can give you a big boost in the right direction. 

When you go digital with one of these accounts, you:

• Save time – Manage requests and benefits online and skip the phone calls or visits to a Social Security office.
• Set the stage – Get information and estimates to help you plan ahead.
• Stay safe – Keep your information secure by monitoring for suspicious activity.

Personalized Tools

At the most basic level, you can use a my Social Security account to request a replacement card, submit forms and upload documents. Beyond those simple tasks, the account offers convenient access to your data and provides a number of personalized tools.

What You Can Do with a my Social Security Account

If you’re not receiving Social Security benefits:

• Download your Social Security statement
• Review your earnings history and report missing or incorrect earnings
• Estimate of your future retirement benefits
• Estimate your spouse’s benefits
• Check your application status
• Obtain proof that you don’t receive benefits

If you are receiving Social Security benefits:

• Set up or change direct deposit
• Access your 1099 forms
• Access your annual cost of living adjustment benefit amount
• Print a benefit verification letter
• Change your address

When you create your account, you can also opt in to receive your Social Security notices online, which is much faster and more secure than getting them via mail.

Added Security

Cybercriminals continue coming up with devious new methods for uncovering your personal data and getting their hands on your money. Any step you can take to shut them out is worthwhile. 

Having a my Social Security account helps prevent fraud and protect your identity. Creating and monitoring an account can help you secure your personal information, prevent unauthorized access by bad actors and reduce the risk of fraudulent benefit claims.

Create Your Account

The my Social Security website provides step-by-step instructions for setting up your account, including helpful videos. If you need assistance creating your account, there’s a Help Desk phone number you can use between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.