How to create a Social Security account online

You create a Social Security account by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking "Create an account." The Social Security Administration calls this a my Social Security account. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove who you are — either a U.S. state-issued ID, a passport, or answers to questions about your credit history. The whole process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have those things ready.

Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings record, check how much you have paid into Social Security over your working life, and see an estimate of what your benefits might be at different ages. You can also change your address, report a lost Social Security card, and manage how the agency contacts you. If you already have a my Social Security account, you do not need to create another one — you can just log in.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to start; you will need your Social Security number and an email address.
  • You must prove your identity using a state ID, passport, or by answering questions about your credit history.
  • The account lets you view your earnings record, check benefit estimates, and update your address without visiting an office.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can create a limited account and verify in person at a Social Security office later.
  • You do not need a my Social Security account to receive benefits — it is a tool to manage your information and check your record.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to ssa.gov/myaccount: your Social Security number, your email address, and your phone number. You will also need one form of identity verification. The Social Security Administration accepts a current U.S. state-issued driver's license or ID card, a U.S. passport, or a U.S. passport card.

If you do not have any of those, you can still create an account using a different method. The agency can verify your identity by asking you questions about your credit history — things like which bank issued your credit card or what your mortgage payment was. If you have no credit history or cannot answer those questions, you can create a limited account online and then verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office.

Step-by-step: Creating your account

Start at ssa.gov/myaccount. Click the blue "Create an account" button. Enter your email address and create a password — it must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #. Re-enter your password to confirm it.

Next, enter your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will ask you to choose a security question and answer — pick one you will remember. Then choose how you want to verify your identity. If you have a state ID, passport, or passport card, select that option and follow the prompts to upload a photo or answer questions about it. If you are using credit history questions, the system will ask you several questions about accounts or loans in your name. Answer as accurately as you can — the system is checking your answers against credit bureau records.

Once you have verified your identity, you will see a confirmation screen. The system will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Click the link in that email to finish setting up your account. You can then log in at ssa.gov/myaccount using your email address and password.

What to do if identity verification fails

If the system cannot verify your identity online — because your documents do not match the agency's records, or because you cannot answer the credit questions correctly — you will be offered the option to create a limited account. A limited account lets you use some features, like updating your address or phone number, but you cannot see your full earnings record or benefit estimates until you verify in person.

To complete verification, visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2). You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask about wait times. Once you verify in person, your account will be fully activated and you can see all your information online.

What you can do once your account is active

Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings record — every year you worked and how much you paid into Social Security. You can download a statement showing this history, which is useful if you are applying for a loan or checking for errors. The account also gives you a benefit estimate based on your current age and earnings record, showing roughly how much you could receive at age 62, your full retirement age, or age 70.

You can update your address, phone number, and email address without visiting an office. You can also report a lost or stolen Social Security card and request a replacement. If you have already started receiving benefits, you can view your payment history and see when your next payment is scheduled. You can change your direct deposit information if you want payments sent to a different bank account.

Security and password management

Your my Social Security account is protected by your password and, optionally, by two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication means the system sends a code to your phone or email every time you log in from a new device. You can turn this on in your account settings — it adds an extra layer of security. Never share your password with anyone, and do not use the same password you use for other websites or bank accounts.

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot password?" You will be asked to verify your identity again using the same method you used when you created your account. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password immediately and contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is a tool to check your information and manage your record. You can still apply for benefits by phone, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office.

What if I do not have a state ID or passport?

You can verify your identity using credit history questions instead. If you have no credit history or cannot answer those questions accurately, you can create a limited account online and then verify in person at a Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.

Can I create an account for someone else?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and email address. If you are a representative payee managing benefits for someone else, you may be able to access limited information through a separate process — contact your local Social Security office to ask.

Is my information safe on the Social Security website?

The Social Security Administration uses encryption and security measures to protect your account. However, you should always log in directly at ssa.gov/myaccount rather than clicking links in emails, which could be fake. Never give your password or Social Security number to anyone who calls or emails you claiming to be from Social Security.

How long does it take to create an account?

The account creation process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you have your documents ready and your identity verifies immediately. If the system needs to verify your identity using credit history questions, it may take a few extra minutes. If verification fails online, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person, which can take several days to schedule.