What you need to do to set up a my Social Security account

You create a Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount by entering your Social Security number, name, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. The Social Security Administration (SSA) then sends you a one-time code by text or email to confirm your identity. Once you verify that code, your account is active and you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage your account settings.

The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number and a valid email address. You do not need to visit an SSA office or call anyone. You can create an account from any computer or phone with internet access, at any time of day.

If you cannot remember your Social Security number, you can look it up on a tax return, W-2, or bank statement before you start. If you do not have an email address, you will need to set one up first — Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and most other free email services work.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your account directly at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, name, date of birth, email, and phone number.
  • The SSA sends a one-time verification code to your email or phone, which you enter to confirm your identity and complete setup.
  • Your account lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.
  • You can create an account from home on any device with internet access, and the whole process usually takes less than 10 minutes.
  • If you forget your password later, you can reset it using your email address or phone number.

Step-by-step walkthrough of account creation

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button that says "Create an account." You will see a page asking for your Social Security number, full name (first, middle, last), date of birth, and email address. Enter each piece of information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card or official documents. Misspellings or mismatches will cause the verification to fail.

After you enter your information, the SSA asks for a phone number where they can send a one-time code. You can choose to receive the code by text message or email. If you choose text, enter your cell phone number. If you choose email, the code goes to the email address you already provided. Wait for the code to arrive — this usually takes less than a minute, but can take up to 5 minutes.

Once you receive the code, return to the website and enter it in the box provided. The SSA verifies the code and creates your account. You then set a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol) and answer two security questions. Write down your password and security questions somewhere safe — you will need them to log in later.

What happens if verification fails

If the SSA cannot verify your identity during account creation, you will see a message saying verification was unsuccessful. This usually means the information you entered does not match what the SSA has on file. Common reasons include a misspelled name, an incorrect date of birth, or a Social Security number that is not yet in the SSA system (for example, if you recently received your number).

If verification fails, you have two options. First, try creating the account again and double-check every piece of information against your Social Security card or official documents. Second, you can create a limited account using just your email address and password, without full identity verification. A limited account lets you reset your password and manage some settings, but you cannot view your earnings record or benefit statement until you complete full verification later.

If you keep getting verification errors, contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). They can check your file and help you create your account over the phone or direct you to a local office. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or on Thursdays and Fridays.

What you can do once your account is active

Once you log in, your account dashboard shows your earnings record — the wages and self-employment income the SSA has on file for each year you worked. You can download a detailed earnings statement that shows how much you earned each year and how much Social Security tax you paid. This record is important if you need to dispute an error or if you are applying for a loan and need proof of income.

Your account also displays your benefit statement, which shows an estimate of how much you could receive in retirement benefits at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70), as well as estimates for disability and survivor benefits. These are projections based on your current earnings record and assume you continue working until the age shown. The statement updates once a year, usually in September.

You can also use your account to change your address, phone number, or email address without visiting an SSA office. If you are receiving benefits, you can view your payment history and check the date your next payment is scheduled. You can also report a change in your work status or request a replacement Social Security card (though some states now handle card replacement through the DMV instead).

Password reset and account recovery

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address or phone number, and the SSA sends a reset link to that email or a code to that phone. Click the link or enter the code, and you can create a new password. This process takes a few minutes and does not require you to call anyone.

If you forget both your password and the email address or phone number you used to create the account, you will need to contact the SSA directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office with your Social Security card and photo ID. They can verify your identity and help you regain access to your account.

If you think someone else has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and contact the SSA. You can also place a fraud alert on your Social Security number by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Security and privacy when creating your account

The SSA website uses encryption to protect your information while you create your account and log in. This means your Social Security number, password, and other personal details are scrambled and cannot be read by someone intercepting your internet connection. You can tell the connection is secure if the web address starts with "https://" (not just "http://") and a small padlock icon appears in your browser's address bar.

Do not create your account on a public Wi-Fi network (like at a library or coffee shop) unless you use a VPN (virtual private network). Public Wi-Fi is not encrypted, so someone on the same network could potentially see your information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, wait until you get home to create your account, or use your phone's cellular data instead.

Never share your password with anyone, including SSA employees. The SSA will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If someone claiming to be from the SSA asks for your password, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message and report it to the SSA's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create an account if I do not have a cell phone or email?

You need an email address to create an account online. If you do not have one, you can set up a free email account at Gmail.com, Yahoo.com, or Outlook.com in a few minutes. You do not need a cell phone — you can receive the verification code by email instead of text. If you cannot access email or the internet, you can visit a local Social Security office to set up your account in person.

How long does it take for my account to be fully set up?

Your account is active immediately after you verify the one-time code. You can log in and view your earnings record and benefit statement right away. However, if you made any recent changes to your name, address, or work status, it may take a few days for those updates to appear in your account.

What if I created an account but cannot remember my username?

You do not have a username. You log in using the email address or phone number you provided when you created the account. If you cannot remember which email or phone you used, try the ones you think are most likely. If none of them work, contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you identify your account.

Is my information safe if I create an account online?

The SSA website is secure and uses encryption to protect your information. However, no online system is completely risk-free. To stay safe, use a strong password (at least 12 characters with mixed case, numbers, and symbols), do not share your password, and log out when you are done. If you see suspicious activity on your account, change your password immediately and contact the SSA.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a family member?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and email address. If you are helping an elderly parent or family member, you can guide them through the steps, but they must enter their own information and verify their own identity. If they cannot do this themselves, you can visit a local Social Security office together and ask for help.