Your my Social Security account: letters, deposits and earnings
A my Social Security account is your free online account with Social Security. In a few minutes you can download a benefit verification letter, get a copy of your SSA-1099, check that your earnings are all there, and see where your payments go. Your family will need those papers someday, so open the account now.
How do you open the account?
You need to be at least 18, have a Social Security number and an email address. You verify your identity through one of two partner sites:
- Login.gov: an email address, a government-issued photo ID and a phone number. Social Security recommends it for most people in the U.S.
- ID.me: an email address, a government-issued photo ID and a device with a camera. Use ID.me if you live outside the U.S.
Start at ssa.gov/myaccount. Sources: SSA, my Social Security, SSA, what you can do with a my Social Security account (Pub. 20-014).
What can you do in it?
- See your Social Security Statement, with benefit estimates and your earnings record.
- Get a benefit verification letter.
- Request a replacement Social Security card, if you meet certain requirements.
- Check the status of an application or appeal.
- If you get benefits: check your payments, change your address, start or change direct deposit, get a replacement SSA-1099 or Medicare card, and get notices online.
Sources: SSA, what you can do with a my Social Security account (Pub. 20-014), SSA, my Social Security.
How do you get a benefit verification letter?
The letter proves that you get benefits, that you applied, or that you don't get benefits. It's often called a proof of income letter, and it's asked for on loans and housing help. Sign in and download the PDF right away. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and say "proof of income." Source: SSA, get a benefit verification letter.
Where is the SSA-1099?
Social Security mails the SSA-1099 each January to people who got benefits. If it's lost, you can get a replacement starting February 1 through your account or at 1-800-772-1213. It's one of the papers needed for a final tax return. See the final tax return after a death. Source: SSA, replacement SSA-1099.
Why check your earnings record?
Your retirement, disability and survivor benefits are based on the earnings Social Security has on file. If a year is missing, your family's benefits could be lower. Review it in your account and ask for a correction online or by phone, with your W-2s or pay stubs at hand. Generally, a year can be corrected only within 3 years, 3 months and 15 days after it ends, with some exceptions, such as wages your employer reported that don't show up. Source: SSA, how do I correct my earnings record?.
Why does your family need to know where deposits go?
Social Security doesn't pay benefits for the month a person dies. The payment that arrives the next month must be returned, along with any later ones. If it came by direct deposit, the family tells the bank right away and asks it to return those payments. Knowing which bank and account receive the deposits saves time. See how to report a death to Social Security. Sources: USA.gov, report a death to Social Security, SSA, what you can do with a my Social Security account (Pub. 20-014).
How can a family member help?
Social Security doesn't treat a power of attorney as the right to manage someone's benefits. If a person can't manage their payments, Social Security names a representative payee, usually a relative or friend. You can choose up to three people in advance (an advance designation) through your account, by phone or at an office. Being an authorized representative on a claim isn't the same as being a payee. Sources: SSA, representative payee FAQs, SSA, advance designation of a representative payee.
Checklist
- [ ] Your my Social Security account, opened.
- [ ] A downloaded benefit verification letter.
- [ ] This year's SSA-1099, if you get benefits.
- [ ] Your earnings record, reviewed.
- [ ] The bank where your deposits go.
- [ ] Your advance designation, if you want to name who would help.
Save the letters where your family can find them. A life operations manual keeps them with your other papers.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a my Social Security account free?
Yes. You create it at ssa.gov/myaccount and verify your identity with Login.gov or ID.me.
Can I open an account if I live in Mexico?
Social Security says people who live outside the U.S. should use ID.me to verify their identity.
How do I get proof of my Social Security income?
Download a benefit verification letter from your account, or call 1-800-772-1213 and say "proof of income."
Can my son use my power of attorney to manage my Social Security?
No. Social Security uses a representative payee instead. You can name up to three people in advance through your account.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information from Social Security. Social Security decides who qualifies.
Sources
- ssa.gov/myaccount/
- ssa.gov/thirdparty/materials/pdfs/myssa/LearnwhatyoucandowithamySocialSecurityaccount.pdf
- ssa.gov/manage-benefits/get-benefit-letter
- ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-01723.html
- ssa.gov/faqs/en/questions/KA-02603.html
- usa.gov/social-security-report-a-death
- ssa.gov/payee/faqrep.htm
- ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation.htm
General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.
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