My Social Security’s Four Super Powers
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 2, 2023
Did you know having a personal my Social Security account is almost like having super powers? Think about it. It protects you, and you can even look into your financial future. Check out these four features that can empower all working Americans who pay into Social Security.
Saves You Time
You may think you need to speak with a Social Security representative to check your application status, set up or change direct deposit, or request a replacement Social Security card. But you don’t! All you have to do is log in or create your personal my Social Security account. Take care of your Social Security business from home or away when it’s convenient for you.
Security Protection
Your personal information is very important to us. When you create an account, it prevents someone else from possibly creating an account in your name. We use two-step authentication to verify you are the one logging in to your account. Our security measures allow you to access your personal information safely and securely using my Social Security.
Reassurance
Did you know you can see your entire earnings history with your personal my Social Security account? Do you know why it’s important to check it and make sure it’s accurate? Your future benefits are based on your earnings history. You won’t receive all the benefits you should if our records understate your real earnings. Use your account to verify if your employers reported your earnings to us correctly. We tell you how to correct an error if you find one.
Plan for your Future
Retirement planning is essential for a secure future. And your personal my Social Security account makes it easy. You can view your retirement estimates when you enter the age or date when you expect to begin receiving benefits and your estimated future salary amount. You can also view your estimated disability benefit on the Estimate Benefits page.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security, my Social Security account, online services
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Comments
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Alfred W.
I am drawing my social security, however I’m still working and paying into social security. So am I going to receive more money on my monthly retirement and if so when? Oh, I think my social security number has been breached. All credit bureaus have been notified. I was told to let you know also.
A.C.
Hi, Alfred. Thanks for your questions. Each year we review the records for all working Social Security recipients to see if additional earnings may increase monthly benefits. If your earnings for the prior year are higher than one of the years we used to compute your retirement benefit, we will recalculate your benefit amount. Generally, we will send a letter explaining any increase in your benefit amount. If you suspect identity theft, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, may also be helpful. Thanks, again.
Carl w.
Not asking questions about A specific account but why is it that some peoples 5.9 COLA does not reflect on the website and other people’s do? Have asked about this question before and on different parts of the blog along with other people and I don’t receive any update or answer
David T.
I am receiving social security benefits on my deceased spouse’s record and postponed (suspended) receiving my own benefit until I reach 70 years of age. Do I have to file another application to receive my own benefits, or would Social Security automatically restart my benefits based on my own record at age 70?
A.C.
Hi, David. Thanks for your question. You will need to file an application on your own record. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
DELIA V.
i haven’t signed up for my SS yet i turn 66 in May and will be eligible for benefits in Sept. Will i be penalized for not signing up at 65
A.C.
Hi, Delia. Thanks for your question. No, you will not be penalized. There are a lot of factors that go into deciding when to retire. If you choose to get benefits before your full retirement age, they will be reduced. Your full retirement age is determined by your year of birth. To estimate your retirement benefits and determine the best retirement age for you, visit our Retirement Planning page. We hope this helps.