If you currently receive – or are planning to apply for – Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can now visit the Social Security Administration’s recently updated My Social Security portal to complete the following tasks online:

Updating your personal information, including your phone number and address
Requesting a replacement for a lost Social Security card
Setting up direct deposit information
Checking the status of your application
Accessing details about benefits and payments
Getting a personalized estimate on your future benefits or your spouse’s benefits
Monitoring activity associated with your Social Security Number

Even for younger Americans who have not yet retired, evidence suggests that using the My Social Security portal can be a helpful way to prepare for retirement “by prompting individuals early and clearly about important information and actions for financial … planning,” according to researchers at the University of Michigan.

To sign up for a My Social Security account, visit the SSA website. You’ll need your Social Security number, a U.S. mailing address, and an email address.