You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov and use it to view your earnings record, check benefit status, and request a replacement card without visiting an office

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you create an account called my Social Security at ssa.gov. Once you set it up, you can log in to see your earnings history, check how much you might receive in benefits, and request a replacement Social Security card. You do not need to visit an office or call — you can do all of this from your computer or phone, any time of day.

Creating the account takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. SSA will send you a verification code to confirm your identity before you can access your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your account at ssa.gov by entering your Social Security number, email, and phone number, then confirming your identity with a code SSA sends you.
  • Once logged in, you can view your complete earnings record, see an estimate of your retirement or disability benefits, and check the status of any pending requests.
  • You can request a replacement Social Security card through your account, and SSA will mail it to you — no office visit required.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can create an account by visiting a local Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card.

Steps to create your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and click the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will land on a page that asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Enter each piece of information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card and government ID.

After you submit this information, SSA sends a verification code to your phone via text message or to your email, depending on which you choose. Enter that code on the next screen. This step confirms that you own the phone number or email address you provided and that you are the person associated with that Social Security number.

Once verified, you create a username and password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write down your username and password somewhere safe — you will need them every time you log in.

After you finish, you can log in immediately. Your account is active right away, and you can start viewing your information.

What you can see and do in your account

Earnings record: Your account shows every year you worked and how much you earned. This is the record SSA uses to calculate your benefits. Check it for errors — if a year is missing or the amount is wrong, contact SSA to correct it before you turn 60, because errors become harder to fix later.

Benefit estimates: You can see an estimate of how much you might receive in retirement benefits at different ages (62, full retirement age, or 70), or how much you might receive in disability benefits if you became unable to work today. These are estimates only, not final amounts. Your actual benefit depends on your exact age when you claim and your final earnings record.

Replacement Social Security card: You can request a new card through your account if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. SSA will mail it to the address on file. The card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You cannot change your address through the card request — if your address is wrong, you must update it separately or visit an office.

Request status: If you have submitted any requests to SSA (for a card, a benefit verification letter, or anything else), you can check the status in your account and see when it will be completed.

What happens if you cannot verify your identity online

SSA's online verification system asks you questions based on your credit history and public records. If you do not have enough credit history, have recently moved, or have a common name, the system may not be able to verify you. This is normal and does not mean something is wrong.

If verification fails, you have two options. You can try again in a few days — sometimes the system needs time to update. Or you can create your account in person at your local Social Security office. Bring your Social Security card, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address (a recent utility bill or lease). An SSA employee will verify your identity and set up your account on the spot.

You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Offices are usually less crowded early in the morning or on Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Keeping your account secure

Use a password you do not use anywhere else. If someone gains access to your my Social Security account, they can see your earnings record and potentially request a replacement card sent to their address. Change your password every few months, and change it immediately if you think someone else knows it.

Do not share your username or password with anyone, including SSA employees. SSA will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from SSA and asking for your password, it is a scam — delete it and report it to the SSA Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

If you log in and see activity you did not do, or if your replacement card was sent somewhere you did not request it, contact SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person.

What you cannot do online

Some requests still require a phone call or office visit. You cannot file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits through your online account — you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office to start a benefit claim. You also cannot update your address, change your direct deposit information, or report a change in your work or family situation online. For those tasks, call the number above or visit an office.

If you need a benefit verification letter (proof that you receive Social Security), you can request one through your account, and SSA will mail it to you. But if you need it urgently or want it in a different format, you may need to call or visit an office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to receive benefits?

No. Your benefits will be paid whether or not you have an account. The account is a tool to check your information and request a replacement card. If you never create an account, your benefits are not affected.

What if I forget my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page. SSA will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not have access to the email address you used to create the account, you will need to create a new account with a different email, or visit an office in person.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a parent or child?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and identity verification. If you are a representative payee (managing benefits for someone else), you have different access through a separate system — call SSA to learn about that.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

SSA uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. However, no system is completely risk-free. Never log in from a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN, and always log out when you are done, especially on a shared computer.

How do I know if my earnings record is correct?

Review the year-by-year earnings shown in your account. If an amount is missing or wrong, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 with your W-2 forms or tax returns as proof. Corrections are easier to make before you turn 60.