Access to information about your Social Security benefits just got easier with the addition of an online portal, agency officials announced last week.
The Social Security agency has created an online space for account for people receiving benefits, or requesting benefits. The My Social Security Account website allows users to access their benefit verification letter, payment history and earnings record without having to make a trip to the nearest Social Security office, according to a release.
“We are making it even easier for people to do their business with us from the comfort of their home, office, or library,” Commissioner Michael J. Astrue said in the release. “I encourage people of all ages to take advantage of our award-winning online services and check out the new features available through an online 'My Social Security' account.”
You do not have to be a Social Security beneficiary to use the service, according to the release. Those 18 or older can sign up for the ‘My Social Security’ account and access their benefits statement, using that information to help plan for retirement, the release says.
The portal also includes links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability and Medicare, the release says.
“Given our significantly reduced funding, we have to find innovative ways to continue to meet the needs of the American people without compromising service,” said Astrue said in the release. “These new enhancements will allow us to provide faster service to more people in more places.”
