What a Social Security online account does
A Social Security online account, called my Social Security, lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office or calling. You create it at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and a password you set yourself. The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up.
Once you log in, you can see how much you have earned each year, verify that Social Security has your correct work history, request a replacement Social Security card, and check the status of any application you have submitted. If you receive benefits, you can also view your payment amount and deposit information. You cannot apply for benefits through the online account — you still need to do that by phone, in person, or through a separate application process — but you can manage most other tasks from home.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email, and a password you choose.
- The account shows your earnings history, benefit statement, and lets you change your address, request a replacement card, and check application status.
- You will need to verify your identity the first time you log in, usually by answering security questions or using a text message code.
- Social Security does not charge for an online account, and you do not need to visit an office to create one.
How to create your account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone — you enter that code to confirm you own the address or number you provided.
Next, you create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose; your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Write down your username and password somewhere safe, or use a password manager. If you forget either one later, you can reset it using your email address.
After you submit your information, Social Security may ask you to answer security questions about your past — things like the name of a street you lived on or the make of a car you owned. These questions help confirm your identity. Answer them as accurately as you can. If you cannot remember the answers, you can skip some questions, but answering more of them makes your account more secure.
What you can see and do in your account
Your earnings record shows every year you worked and how much you earned. Social Security uses this record to calculate your benefit amount, so it is important that it is correct. If you see a year with missing earnings or an amount that looks wrong, you can contact Social Security to report it. You have a limited time to correct old earnings — usually three years, three months, and 15 days from the end of the year the earnings were reported — so check your record regularly.
Your benefit statement shows how much you would receive each month if you claimed benefits at different ages: at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), at 62 (the earliest you can claim), or at 70 (the latest). The statement also shows how much your family members might receive if you pass away. This information changes as you age and earn more, so your statement updates once a year.
You can also use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, change your address or phone number on file, check the status of a benefit application, and view your payment history if you already receive benefits. Some tasks, like applying for benefits or reporting a death, still require you to call Social Security or visit an office in person.
Identity verification and security
The first time you log into your account, Social Security will verify your identity. This usually means answering security questions or receiving a code by text message or email. If you cannot verify your identity online — for example, if you do not have a phone number on file or your credit history is too limited — Social Security will mail you a verification code. This takes about a week.
Once you are logged in, keep your password private and do not share your account with anyone else. If you use a shared computer, log out when you are done. Social Security will not ask you for your password by email or phone, so if someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You can also report fraud to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
What to do if you cannot create an account online
If you do not have an email address or phone number, you can still create an account by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can help you set up your account over the phone and mail you a verification code. This takes longer than creating an account online, but it works if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone.
If you are over 75 or have limited English, Social Security offers in-person help at local offices. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you forget your username or password, go to the login page and click "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. If you do not have access to the email address you used to create your account, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access.
If you see an error message when you try to log in, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the problem continues, try a different web browser or device. If you still cannot log in after trying these steps, call Social Security.
If you notice your earnings record is wrong, you cannot fix it yourself through your online account. Instead, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. Bring documents that show your correct earnings, such as old tax returns or W-2 forms. Social Security will investigate and correct the record if your documents support the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an online account to receive Social Security benefits?
No. An online account is optional and makes it easier to check your information and manage your account, but you do not need one to receive benefits. You can still call Social Security or visit an office to handle everything. However, having an account lets you check your payment status and change your address without making a phone call.
Can I use my online account to apply for benefits?
No. You cannot apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits through your online account. You must apply by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at your local Social Security office, or online at ssa.gov/benefits-retirement-social-security. Your online account only lets you check the status of an application you have already submitted.
Is my information safe in my Social Security online account?
Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to what banks use. However, no system is completely risk-free. Keep your password strong and unique, do not share it, and log out when you are done. If you suspect fraud, change your password and call Social Security immediately.
What if I do not have a computer or internet access?
You can create and use your account by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can help you set up your account and mail you a verification code. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person to get help with any task that requires an account.
Can I use my online account to report a change in my income or living situation?
You can change your address and phone number through your online account. For other changes — such as a change in income, living arrangement, or family status — you need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office. Some changes affect your benefit amount, so Social Security needs to document them officially.