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Improve Your Retirement with a my Social Security Account

October 23, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

man and woman smiling, looking at laptop September was National Self-Improvement Month, but it’s always a good time to focus on your health and wellness. While you do that, make sure your retirement is healthy, too, by opening a secure, personal my Social Security account.

Registering only takes a few minutes on our website. You’ll be asked some basic questions to verify your identity. Then you’ll choose a user name and password. Pretty soon you’ll be registered and have full access to many of our services.

At Social Security, our highest priority is protecting the privacy and security of the personal information we maintain on you and almost every American so you can rest assured that doing business online with us is both safe and secure.

Once you establish an account, you’ll have access to a wealth of information that will improve your chances of a successful retirement. You’ll be able to verify your earnings history, get an estimate of your future benefit amount at retirement, and get an estimate of your benefits should you become disabled.

With your personal my Social Security account you can view and print your Statement whenever you like.

You can also improve your experience of receiving retirement benefits by establishing a personal my Social Security account to manage your benefits. You can set up your Direct Deposit within minutes by going the Create Your Account page and signing up for an account. Then, go to the My Profile tab and follow the instructions on the screen. Once you establish a personal my Social Security account, you’ll be able to change your address or update your direct deposit, print a benefit verification letter, get a replacement Medicare card and a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S statement.

Once you’ve established your personal my Social Security account, you’ll want to check out our redesigned website. We’ve done some self-improvement of our own based on your suggestions, and we’ve made all of our services available from the home page. We’ve also made our website easier to navigate and more accessible on mobile devices such as tablets and smart phones.

Join the millions who have improved their chances at a good retirement by establishing a personal my Social Security account.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. GLEN

    trying to open a SS account bu it is not accepting my SS number. WHAT FORMAT MUST THE SS NUMBER BE IN??

  2. Irma h.

    20 w milan ave apt 116 pleasantville nj 08232

  3. Cecile

    ___123___Improve Your Retirement with a my Social Security Account | Social Security Matterss___123___

  4. Thomas W.

    I have already applied for benefits that are to begin March 1 2018. After setting this up my employer wants me to stay until June 1,2018. I want to simply delay starting to receive my benefits from March 1 to June 1 but can’t seem to find anyone that can confirm how I do this? Bryan in the Henderson NC office suggested I drop a note by the local office and I have done that today but would feel better if I had a way to confirm benefits will be delayed until 6/1/18. I don’t want to start receiving 3/1/18 and work until 6/1/18; I want to delay the start date to receive any benefits until 6/1/18

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for contacting us, Thomas. We have referred your concern to our Field Operations Staff for follow up.

  5. Jade

    ___123___Improve Your Retirement with a my Social Security Account | Social Security Matterss___123___

  6. Yugank K.

  7. oluwatosin

    hello-sir/ms.—–the information to online verification with personalsocial-security accountthrough–e-mail-account-should be support 24hrs=week-ebd.thank-you

  8. Lowell

    The questions asked in the My Account Setup were not accurate. Where does the information requested originate and how do I correct it?

    • Ray F.

      Hi Lowell, you can speak to a Social Security representative for help with a my Social Security account between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. Toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” please say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.
      Note: Although our regular telephone service representatives are not available after 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, our Help Desk representatives can assist you until 12:00 midnight Eastern Time.
      TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.: 1-800-325-0778

  9. EUNICE W.

    pls advise when is the last month in order for me to apply retirement beneficial monthly payment
    MY DOB is APRIL 01, 1948
    I AM STILL WORKING NOW
    SHALL I HAVE TO APPLY 3 MONTHS BE FORE ( THAT IS JAN. 2018)

    • Ray F.

      Thank you for your question, Eunice. Eligible individuals can start receiving retirement benefits as early as age 62, but if you decide to start to receive benefits after your full retirement age, it may result in larger benefits. You earn delayed retirement credits automatically when and if you delay getting your benefit up until age 70. The benefit increase no longer applies when you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.
      Also, keep in mind that if you work and are full retirement age or older, the amount you make at work will not affect your Social Security benefits, no matter how much you earn.
      Please bear in mind that the decision on when to apply for benefits is a personal one. We can only provide you with the information to help you make the best choice according to your own situation.
      To help you plan, you can use our online calculators. Also, you can create a my Social Security account to verify your earnings, and get a copy of your Social Security Statement.
      Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance, and when you’re ready, you can apply for your benefits online. If you need further assistance call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with one of our representatives, who are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this information helps!

  10. Gloria L.

    Please send me a form by mail to report my address. my mail is not being delivered.
    Gloria – Thank you.

    • Ray F.

      Go to our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic.
      Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email. Thanks!

Comments are closed.