Should I Create a Social Security Account Online? Everything You Need to Know

Should I Create a Social Security Account Online? Everything You Need to Know

By
Eric Kirste
|
October 21, 2024

Managing your Social Security information online has become increasingly important. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a convenient way to access and manage your Social Security benefits through a personal "my Social Security" account. This guide will explore the benefits of creating an online “my Social Security” account, the information needed to verify your identity, how to estimate your future benefits, the services you can manage through your account, and the recent transition to Login.gov.

8 Benefits of Creating a My Social Security Account

Creating a my Social Security account offers numerous advantages that can help you stay informed about your benefits and protect your personal information. Here are some key benefits:

1. Protect Your Identity and Prevent Fraud

One of the most crucial reasons to create a my Social Security account is to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. By setting up your account, you prevent others from potentially creating a fraudulent account in your name [6]. As Kathy Stokes, director of Fraud Prevention Programs at AARP, emphasizes, "If you don't have my Social Security account, you're more at risk. It's more of a risk if you don't have it because it's so easy for criminals to get enough information to create one."

2. Access to Personalized Benefit Estimates

Your my Social Security account provides access to personalized benefit estimates based on your actual earnings history. This feature allows you to:

  • View estimates of your future retirement benefits at different ages
  • See projections of your spouse's benefits
  • Access your Social Security statement, which includes your earnings record and estimates of future benefits  [6]

3. Convenient Online Services

With a my Social Security account, you can manage various aspects of your benefits without having to visit a Social Security office or wait on the phone. Some of the services you can access include:

  • Requesting a replacement Social Security card
  • Checking the status of a benefits application
  • Getting a letter proving you don't currently receive benefits
  • Updating your personal information  [6]

4. Stay Informed with Electronic Notifications

By creating an online account, you can opt to receive important notifications and deadlines electronically from the SSA. This ensures you stay up-to-date with any changes to your benefits or account activity that requires your attention [8].

5. Apply for Benefits Online

Having a my Social Security account allows you to apply for retirement benefits, spousal benefits, or divorced spousal benefits online. This convenience eliminates the need for in-person interviews or long phone wait times[8.

6. Verify Your Earnings Record

Your my Social Security account gives you access to your earnings history, allowing you to verify that the information on record is correct. This is crucial because your future benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-paid years in the workforce [8.

7. Plan for Retirement More Effectively

The online account provides tools to help you plan for retirement more effectively. You can view estimated benefits under various retirement scenarios, helping you make informed decisions about when to start claiming your benefits[8.

8. Secure and Convenient Access

my Social Security offers secure and convenient access to your information anytime. The platform includes features like secure messaging services and account alerts to keep you informed about changes to your benefits or account activity[8.

Information Needed to Verify Identity for a My Social Security Account

To create a my Social Security account, you'll need to verify your identity. The SSA has implemented stringent security measures to protect your personal information. Here's what you'll need:

1. Driver's License or State ID Card

You'll need to provide information from a valid U.S. driver's license or state-issued ID card. You can upload a photo of your ID using your phone or computer [4].

2. Social Security Number

You'll need to provide your Social Security number as part of the verification process[4].

3. Phone Number

A valid phone number is required. In some cases, you may have the option to verify your identity by mail instead of using a phone number[4].

4. Photo of Yourself

Some services may require you to take a photo of yourself with a phone to verify your identity online. If you don't have a phone with a camera, you may have the option to verify your identity in person[4].

5. Email Address

You'll need a valid email address to receive important notifications and account information[4].

It's important to note that if you're under 18 years of age, you may not be able to verify your identity for a Login.gov account. In such cases, you should contact the partner agency to find out what options are available to you[4].

How to Estimate Your Future Social Security Benefits Online

One of the most valuable features of my Social Security account is the ability to estimate your future benefits. Here's how you can use this tool:

1. Access the Online Benefits Calculator

The SSA provides an Online Benefits Calculator that allows you to estimate your Social Security benefits. This tool is most accurate when you have access to your official earnings record in the SSA database, which is easily accessible through your my Social Security account [5].

2. Use the my Social Security Retirement Estimate Tool

This tool allows you to compare retirement benefit estimates based on different scenarios:

  • Your selected date or age to begin receiving benefits
  • Retirement estimates for ages 62, Full Retirement Age (FRA), and 70
  • You can also input expected future income for inclusion in the estimate[5]

3. Explore Additional Online Tools

The SSA offers several other calculators to help you plan for retirement:

  • Retirement Age Calculator: Find your full retirement age and learn how your monthly benefits may be reduced if you retire early.
  • Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Calculator: Estimate if you are eligible for a pension based on work not covered by Social Security.
  • GPO Calculator: Estimate spouse benefits if you receive a pension from a government job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes.
  • Detailed Calculator: Get the most precise estimate of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, including WEP reduction[5].

4. Consider the Early or Late Retirement Calculator

This tool helps you compute the effect on your benefit amount if you file for early or delayed retirement benefits[5].

5. Use the Earnings Test Calculator

If you're currently working and eligible for retirement or survivors benefits this year, this calculator can help you understand how your earnings may affect your benefit payments[5].

6. Explore the Life Expectancy Calculator
This tool provides an estimate of how long you (or your spouse) may live, which can be helpful in long-term retirement planning[5].

Remember that these estimates are based on your earnings record and current law. Future changes in the law could affect your benefits[5].

Services You Can Manage Through Your My Social Security Account

Your my Social Security account provides access to a wide range of services, allowing you to manage various aspects of your Social Security benefits. Here's a comprehensive list of what you can do:

For Those Not Yet Receiving Benefits:

1. Get personalized retirement benefit estimates based on different retirement ages [2].

2. Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states) [2].

3. Check the status of your Social Security application [2].

4. Get a benefit verification letter stating that you are not receiving benefits[6.

5. View and verify your earnings record[6.

6. See estimates of the Social Security and Medicare taxes you've paid[6].

7. Calculate benefits for your spouse[5].

For Those Currently Receiving Benefits:

1. Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states) [2].

2. Set up or change direct deposit information for your benefits [2].

3. Get a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) form for tax purposes [2].

4. Opt-out of mailed notices for those available online [2].

5. Print a benefit verification letter  [2].

6. Change your address [6].

7. Start or change direct deposit of your benefit payment  [6].

For All Users:

1. Access your Social Security Statement to review:

  •    Estimates of your future retirement, disability, and survivors benefits
  •    Your earnings once a year to verify the amounts posted are correct
  •    The estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you've paid [1]

2. Use various calculators to plan for your retirement:

  •    Retirement Age Calculator
  •    Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) Calculator
  •    GPO Calculator
  •    Detailed Calculator
  •    Early or Late Retirement Calculator
  •    Earnings Test Calculator
  •    Benefits for Spouses Calculator
  •    Life Expectancy Calculator[5]

3. Receive important notifications and deadlines electronically from the SSA[8.

4. Apply online for retirement, spousal, or divorced spousal benefits[8.

5. Secure messaging services to communicate with the SSA[8.

6. Set up account alerts to stay informed about changes to your benefits or account activity[8.

By utilizing these services through your my Social Security account, you can efficiently manage your benefits, stay informed about your Social Security status, and plan effectively for your future.

How the Transition to Login.gov Affects Existing My Social Security Accounts

The Social Security Administration is implementing significant changes to enhance security and streamline the login process for my Social Security accounts. Here's what you need to know about the transition to Login.gov:

1. Mandatory Transition for Older Accounts

If you created your my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you will need to transition to a new or existing Login.gov account or use an ID.me account to maintain continuous access to online services[1]. This change affects approximately half of the 86 million my Social Security account holders [3].

2. Timeline for Transition

The transition process began in June 2024. While a final deadline hasn't been specified, the SSA encourages users to make the switch as soon as possible to avoid any disruptions in accessing online services[1]  [3].

3. Reasons for the Change

The transition to Login.gov aims to:

  • Simplify the sign-in experience
  • Better align with federal authentication standards
  • Provide safe and secure access to online services[1]

4. Process of Transition

To transition your account:

1. Sign in to your existing my Social Security account using your username and password.

2. Follow the online instructions to create or sign in to an existing Login.gov account[1].

5. No Action Required for Newer Accounts

If you created your my Social Security account on or after September 18, 2021, no action is necessary as you already have the correct setup[1].

6. Benefits of Login.gov

Login.gov offers several advantages:

  • It's a single sign-on provider that meets U.S. government online identity proofing and authentication requirements.
  • You can use one Login.gov account to access multiple government services and benefits[1].

7. Alternative Option: ID.me

Users also have the option to use an ID.me account instead of Login.gov. ID.me is another single sign-on provider that meets government requirements[1].

8. Support for Transition

If you encounter any issues during the transition process, you can:

- Visit the Login.gov Help Center for support

- Contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or your local Social Security office [9]

9. Impact on Existing Services

The transition should not affect the services available through your my Social Security account. After successfully linking your account to Login.gov, you'll continue to have seamless access to all Social Security services and tools  [3].

10. Enhanced Security

This transition is part of the SSA's ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect users' personal information. By using Login.gov or ID.me, the SSA can leverage advanced authentication methods to safeguard your account  [3].

Remember, it's crucial to complete this transition to maintain uninterrupted access to your my Social Security account and its valuable services.

The Importance of Creating a My Social Security Account

Creating a my Social Security account is not just a convenience—it's a necessity for effectively managing your Social Security benefits and protecting your personal information. Let's recap the key reasons why you should set up your account as soon as possible:

1. Fraud Prevention: By creating your account, you prevent potential identity theft and fraudulent claims made in your name.

2. Access to Personalized Information: Your account provides access to personalized benefit estimates and your earnings history, allowing you to plan more effectively for your future.

3. Convenient Online Services: From requesting replacement cards to updating personal information, my Social Security account offers a range of services at your fingertips.

4. Retirement Planning: The various calculators and estimation tools available through your account can significantly aid in your retirement planning process.

5. Secure Communication: With features like secure messaging and electronic notifications, you can stay informed about important updates and communicate securely with the SSA.

6. Easy Benefit Application: When the time comes, you can easily apply for your benefits online, saving time and avoiding long wait times.

7. Staying Informed: Regular access to your account allows you to verify your earnings record and stay informed about any changes that might affect your benefits.

8. Adapting to Digital Changes: With the ongoing transition to Login.gov, creating and managing your account now ensures you're prepared for future digital enhancements in Social Security services.

Creating a my Social Security account is a proactive step in taking control of your financial future. It provides you with the tools and information needed to make informed decisions about your Social Security benefits. Moreover, in an era where digital security is paramount, having your own account adds an extra layer of protection to your personal information.

Remember, whether you're years away from retirement or nearing eligibility for benefits, my Social Security account is a valuable resource. It's never too early or too late to set up your account and start exploring the wealth of information and services it provides.

Take action today: visit the Social Security Administration's website and create your Social Security account. It's a simple process that can have a significant impact on your financial planning and security. By doing so, you're not just preparing for your future—you're actively shaping it.

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Eric Kirste

Hello there 👋🏼 I'm Eric, and I have over 20 years of experience as a financial advisor. Eric offers holistic financial advising beyond just investments, focusing on a client's overall financial health. With expertise in retirement planning, tax planning, estate planning, and Social Security timing, he assesses individual circumstances to create a comprehensive financial plan.

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Eric Kirste is an investment adviser representative with Savvy Advisors, Inc. (“Savvy Advisors”). Savvy Advisors is an SEC registered investment advisor. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Savvy Advisors. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but are not assured as to accuracy.

Citations:

[1] https://blog.ssa.gov/how-to-transition-your-social-security-account-to-login-gov/

[2] https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/social-security-administration-my-social-security-account/

[4] https://www.login.gov/help/verify-your-identity/how-to-verify-your-identity/

[5] https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/calculators/

[6] https://partner.getcarefull.com/blog/why-you-need-a-my-social-security-account

[7] https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/AnypiaApplet.html

[8] https://www.savvywealth.com/blog-posts/eight-reasons-to-set-up-your-my-social-security-online-account-right-now

[9] https://faq.ssa.gov/en-US/Topic/article/KA-01687


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Material prepared herein has been created for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation.  Information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable but was not verified for accuracy.  It is important to note that federal tax laws under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the United States are subject to change, therefore it is the responsibility of taxpayers to verify their taxation obligations.

Savvy Wealth Inc. is a technology company.  Savvy Advisors, Inc. is an SEC registered investment advisor. For purposes of this article, Savvy Wealth and Savvy Advisors together are referred to as “Savvy”.  All advisory services are offered through Savvy Advisors, while technology is offered through Savvy Wealth.  The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the speakers and authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Savvy Advisors