If you applied for Social Security benefits or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can instantly check the status online using your personal “my Social Security” account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to see the following information about your claim:
• Date of filing.
• Re-entry numbers for incomplete applications.
• Current claim location.
• Servicing office location.
• Scheduled hearing date and time, if applicable.
• Publications of interest, depending on the claim and current step in the process.
Use your personal “my Social Security” account to instantly check the status of your application or appeal at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.
If you have questions about retirement, disability, Medicare, or survivor’s benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income, visit our webpage at www.ssa.gov/benefits.
Q&A
Q: What is the average Social Security retirement payment that a person receives each month?
A: The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker in 2022 is $1,657. The average monthly Social Security benefit for a disabled worker in 2022 is $1,358. As a reminder, eligibility for retirement benefits still requires 40 credits (usually about 10 years of work).
Q: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income?
A: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically credits the new earnings and, if your new earnings are higher than in any earlier year used to calculate your current benefit, your monthly benefit could increase. For more information, visit www.ssa.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Q: A few years ago, I lost my Social Security card. Now my credit report shows that someone might be using my Social Security number. I’m afraid they might ruin my credit. What should I do?
A: Identity theft and fraud are serious problems, not just for you, but for the financial integrity of our agency. It also puts our national security at risk if someone dangerous is using your number to obtain other forms of identification. It’s against the law to use someone else’s Social Security number, give false information when applying for a number, or alter, buy or sell Social Security cards. Keep in mind, you should never carry your Social Security card with you. If you think someone is using your Social Security number fraudulently, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) right away. You can report it at www.idtheft.gov or you can call FTC’s hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4261) TTY (1-866-653-4261).
Q: I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits?
A: You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, go to www.ssa.gov/applyonline. This is the fastest and easiest way to apply. For your convenience, you can always save your progress during your application and complete it later. We thank you for your military service!
Q: I applied for disability benefits, but was denied. I’d like to appeal. Can I do it online?
A: Yes. In fact, the best way to file a Social Security appeal is online. Our online appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to www.ssa.gov/disability/appeal to appeal the decision. For people who don’t have access to the internet, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to file your appeal.
Q: How can I become a representative payee?
A: If you know someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and who needs assistance managing their payments, contact your local Social Security office about becoming their representative payee. Go to www.ssa.gov/payee for more information.