When you retire, if you become disabled or if someone you depend on dies— we are there when you need us. With your personal and secure my Social Security account, you can access your information, benefits and important services from just about anywhere. Having a personal My Social Security account allows you to:
• Compare future benefit estimates for different dates or ages when you may want to begin receiving benefits.
• Check the status of your benefits application or appeal.
• Review your earnings history.
• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states).
If you already receive benefits, you can also:
• Get a benefit verification or proof of income letter.
• Set up or change your direct deposit.
• Change your address.
• Get a Social Security 1099 form (SSA-1099).
You can even use your personal My Social Security account to opt out of receiving certain notices by mail, including the annual cost-of-living adjustments notice and the income-related monthly adjustment amount notice. These notices are available in your Message Center when you sign into your account. We will email you when you have a new message, so you never miss an important update.
It’s easy to sign up for a My Social Security account. Please let your friends and family know that they can create their own My Social Security account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
Q & A
Q.: Do Members of Congress have to pay into Social Security?
A.: Yes, they do. Members of Congress, the president and vice president, federal judges and most political appointees, have paid taxes into the Social Security program since January 1984. They pay into the system just like everyone else, no matter how long they have been in office.
Q.: How much will I receive if I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
A.: The amount of your SSI payment depends on where you live and how much income you have. The maximum SSI payment varies nationwide. For 2023, the maximum federal SSI payment for an eligible person is $914 a month and $1,371 a month for an eligible couple. However, many states add money to the basic payment. For more information, go to www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-benefits-ussi.htm.
Q.: I’m trying to figure out how much I need to save for my retirement. Does the government offer any help with financial education?
A.: Yes. For starters, you may want to find out what you can expect from Social Security with a visit to Social Security’s retirement estimator at www.ssa.gov/estimator. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission has a website that can help you with the basics of financial education: www.mymoney.gov. Finally, you’ll want to check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which offers educational information on a number of financial matters, including mortgages, credit cards, retirement, and other big decisions. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov.
Q.: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records?
A.: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records:
• Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at www.ssa.gov/online/ss-5.html.
• Provide documents proving your:
– New or revised citizenship status (We can only accept certain documents as proof of citizenship. These include your U.S. passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, Social Security will ask to see your current immigration documents).
– Age.
– Identity.
• Next, take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.
All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov/ssnumber.