You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov using your email, phone number, and identity verification

The Social Security Administration runs a find online portal called my Social Security where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage your account. You do not need to visit an office or call a phone number to set one up. The process takes about 15 minutes and requires a valid email address, a phone number, and proof of identity.

The account itself is free. Social Security will never charge you to create or use my Social Security. If a website asks for money to help you access your Social Security account, it is not an official Social Security service.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to start; you will need an email address and phone number you can access right now.
  • Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history, past addresses, or phone numbers you have used.
  • Once your account is created, you can view your earnings record, see your estimated benefit amount, and change your address or direct deposit information.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can schedule an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify by phone.
  • Your account is protected by a password and optional two-factor authentication, which sends a code to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device.

Step-by-step account creation at ssa.gov

Start at ssa.gov/myaccount. Click the blue "Create an account" button. You will be asked to enter your email address and create a password. Social Security will send a confirmation link to that email—click it within 24 hours to continue.

Next, you will enter your phone number and confirm it by text or call. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity. Most people answer multiple-choice questions about their credit history, past addresses, or previous phone numbers. These questions pull from public records and credit bureaus, so the answers should be things only you would know.

If you pass identity verification, your account is active when ready. If the system cannot verify you, you will see a message telling you to schedule an appointment or call 1-800-772-1213. This happens to some people and does not mean anything is wrong with your Social Security record—it usually means the system needs more information than it can pull automatically.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record—the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you, year by year. This is the number Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. If you spot an error, you can report it through the account or contact Social Security directly.

You can also view your benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at different ages (62, full retirement age, or 70). This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you do not work again. The actual amount you receive will change if you earn more money before you claim.

The account lets you update your address, phone number, and direct deposit information without visiting an office. You can also request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or damaged, though some states require you to explore through your state's motor vehicle department instead.

What happens if you cannot verify your identity online

Social Security's identity verification system works for most people, but not all. If the system cannot match you to your credit history or other records, you will be told to verify in person or by phone.

To verify by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued ID ready. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once you verify, you can go back to ssa.gov/myaccount and log in.

To verify in person, go to your local Social Security office. You can find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security number, date of birth, and a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). You do not need an appointment for identity verification, though wait times vary by location and time of day.

Protecting your account from fraud

Your my Social Security account is protected by your password. Social Security recommends using a password with at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal information that appears on public records.

You can add two-factor authentication to your account, which sends a code to your phone or email every time you log in from a device Social Security does not recognize. This makes it much harder for someone else to access your account even if they have your password. To turn it on, log in, go to "Security settings," and select "Two-factor authentication."

Social Security will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your password or personal information, do not respond. Forward it to oig.hotline@ssa.gov if it came by email, or report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What to do if you forget your password or cannot log in

On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address. Social Security will send a password reset link to that email. Click the link and create a new password within 24 hours.

If you do not have access to the email address you used to create your account, or if you cannot reset your password, you will need to verify your identity again. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Create an account," and enter the same email address you used before. Social Security will recognize it and ask you to verify your identity again. Once you do, you can set a new password.

If you still cannot log in after trying these steps, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to get 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 account on your own time. If you prefer to handle everything by phone or in person, you can.

Can I use my my Social Security account to file for benefits?

You can start a benefit claim through your account, but you may need to finish it by phone or in person depending on the type of benefit. For retirement benefits, you can often complete the entire process online. For disability or survivor benefits, Social Security usually asks you to finish the process with a representative.

What if my name or date of birth is wrong in my Social Security record?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. You will need to bring documents that prove the correct information, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order. Corrections to your record can take several weeks.

Is my my Social Security account the same as my Medicare account?

No. Medicare has its own online portal at mymedicare.gov. Social Security and Medicare are separate programs with separate accounts, though many people are enrolled in both.

Can someone else access my account if they have my Social Security number?

Not without your password. Your Social Security number alone is not enough to log in. If you turn on two-factor authentication, someone would also need access to your phone or email. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213.