Social Security's new personalized online site, My Social Security, allows people to conduct business with Social Security without having to visit an office or make a phone call, and then wait for a letter to arrive in the mail, according to the agency.

More than 60 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income recipients can access their benefit verification letter, payment history and earnings record instantly using their online account.

Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.

People age 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Those who are not receiving benefits can use account to get a personalized online Social Security Statement, which includes their Social Security earnings and benefit information, and estimates of future benefits they can use to plan for their retirement.