Social Security does not assign you an email address

The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not create or maintain an email address for your account. You do not have a "Social Security email" the way you have a Social Security number. If you see a message claiming to be from Social Security asking you to verify your account by email, it is almost certainly a scam.

What Social Security does offer is my Social Security, a free online account where you can view your earnings record, check benefit estimates, and manage certain services. You create this account using your own email address — one you already own and control. That email becomes the login credential for your account, not an official Social Security email.

The confusion often starts with phishing emails that impersonate Social Security. These messages ask you to "confirm your email" or "update your account information" and include a link. Clicking the link takes you to a fake website designed to steal your password, Social Security number, or both. Social Security does not contact people by email to ask for personal information.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security does not assign you an email address; you use your own email to log into my Social Security.
  • Emails claiming to be from Social Security asking you to verify information are scams — the real SSA does not contact people this way.
  • To create a my Social Security account, visit ssa.gov and use an email address you already own.
  • If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Social Security, forward it to oig.report@ssa.gov and delete it.

How to set up my Social Security and choose your email

To create a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The email address you provide becomes your username — you will use it every time you log in. Social Security does not send you a separate "official" email; this is simply the email you choose.

Pick an email address you check regularly and that you can access for years to come. If you change email providers or abandon an old email account, you will need to update your login email in your account settings. Social Security will send you account notifications and password reset links to this address, so make sure it is one you monitor.

During setup, you will also create a password and answer security questions. Write these down in a safe place — not in an email or a document on your computer. If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address, so keeping access to that email is critical.

What my Social Security lets you do

Once your account is active, you can view your Social Security earnings record, which shows the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This record determines how much your benefit will be, so checking it occasionally for errors is worth doing. If you spot a mistake — a missing year of work, an employer name spelled wrong, or wages recorded under the wrong year — you can contact Social Security to correct it.

You can also get a benefit estimate without filing for benefits. This shows roughly how much you could receive at different ages: at your full retirement age, at 62 (the earliest you can claim), or at 70 (the latest). The estimate is not a promise, but it gives you a real number to plan with.

If you are already receiving benefits, my Social Security lets you view your payment history, change your direct deposit information, and request a replacement Social Security card. You can also report a change in your situation — a change of address, a name change, or a change in work status — without calling or visiting an office.

Recognizing and reporting Social Security scams

Scammers often send emails or texts that look like they come from Social Security. Common tactics include claiming your account has been locked, asking you to verify your information, warning that your benefits will be stopped, or offering to help you file for benefits. Real Social Security does not contact people this way.

If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Social Security, do not click any links or download any attachments. Do not reply to the message. Instead, forward it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.report@ssa.gov and then delete it. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

If you have already clicked a link or entered information, change your password immediately. If you entered your Social Security number, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do this for free at annualcreditreport.com.

What to do if you cannot access your my Social Security account

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov, select "Sign In," and choose "Forgot Password." You will be asked to verify your identity using your email address and security questions. Social Security will send a password reset link to your email. Click the link and create a new password.

If you cannot access the email address you used to create your account, you will need to contact Social Security directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local Social Security office. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. An employee can help you update your email address or recover your account.

If your account has been locked due to multiple failed login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. If it remains locked, call the number above or visit an office in person.

Protecting your email and Social Security information

Use a strong, unique password for your my Social Security account — one you do not use for any other website. A strong password has at least 12 characters and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your birth date, address, or any part of your Social Security number.

Enable two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it for your account. This adds a second step to login, usually a code sent to your phone or email, making it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they have your password.

Never share your password, Social Security number, or the answers to your security questions with anyone — not even someone claiming to work for Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for this information by email, phone, or text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security email address the same as my Social Security number?

No. Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier. Your email address is the login credential you choose when you create a my Social Security account. They are separate things. Social Security does not assign you an email address.

Can I change the email address on my my Social Security account?

Yes. Log into your account, go to settings or account information, and look for the option to update your email address. You will need to verify your identity before the change takes effect. After you change it, Social Security will send a confirmation to your new email address.

What should I do if I receive an email from "Social Security" asking me to confirm my email?

Do not click the link or reply. Forward the email to oig.report@ssa.gov and delete it. Social Security does not contact people by email to ask for personal information. The message is a scam designed to steal your information.

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

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without creating an online account. However, having an account makes it easier to manage your benefits, check your earnings record, and update your information without calling or visiting an office.

What if I do not have an email address?

You will need an email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account with Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, or another provider. Once you have an email address, you can set up your my Social Security account.