You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record and benefit estimates

The Social Security Administration lets you set up a personal account at ssa.gov/myaccount to see your earnings history, check your current benefit status, and get estimates of what you might receive. You do not need to visit an office or call — the entire setup happens online. The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to create if you have a Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity.

What you see in your account depends on whether you are already receiving benefits or not. If you are working, you can review your earnings record to catch any mistakes before they affect your benefit amount. If you are retired or receiving disability, you can see your current payment amount, view payment history, and change your direct deposit information. You cannot change your benefit amount or file a new claim through the account — those require a phone call or office visit — but the account handles most routine tasks.

Key Takeaways

  • Create your account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, email, and identity verification through a third-party service like ID.me or Login.gov.
  • Your account shows your earnings record, current benefit amount if you are receiving payments, and payment history, but does not let you file new claims or change benefit amounts.
  • You must verify your identity once during setup; the Social Security Administration uses ID.me, Login.gov, or other approved services to confirm you are who you say you are.
  • If you cannot verify online, you can create a limited account using just your email and phone number, though you will see less information until you complete verification in person.

Step-by-step account creation

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will be asked for your email address, a password you create, and your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration will send a verification code to your email — enter that code to confirm the email is real. This step takes about two minutes.

Next comes identity verification, which is the part that stops most people. The Social Security Administration uses a third-party service — usually ID.me or Login.gov — to confirm you are the person explore. You will be asked to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport and sometimes take a selfie. The system compares your face to your ID photo. This usually takes seconds, though occasionally the system asks you to try again or schedule a video call with a real person. If you have a state ID, passport, or military ID, any of those work.

Once verification is complete, you can log in and see your account. If you cannot verify your identity online — because your ID is expired, you do not have a photo ID, or the system cannot read your documents — you can create a limited account using just your email and phone number. A limited account shows less information, but you can upgrade it later by verifying in person at a Social Security office.

What information appears in your account

Your account shows your earnings record, which is a year-by-year list of how much you earned and how much you paid in Social Security taxes. This is the number the Social Security Administration uses to calculate your benefit. Check it for accuracy — if an employer reported your earnings wrong, you need to fix it before you turn 60, because the Social Security Administration stops correcting old records after that point. If you spot an error, you will need to contact the Social Security Administration by phone or in person with your W-2 or tax return as proof.

If you are already receiving benefits, your account shows your current monthly payment amount, the date your benefits started, and a list of recent payments. You can also see your payment method — whether it goes to your bank account, a prepaid card, or a check — and change it if needed. The account does not show future cost-of-living adjustments or changes to your payment, but you can see those announced on the Social Security Administration website each October.

Your account also includes a benefit estimate, which is a projection of what you might receive at different ages. This estimate assumes you keep working at your current pace and live to an average age. The estimate is not a promise — your actual benefit depends on when you claim, how much you earn before claiming, and whether you are married (which can affect spousal benefits). The estimate is useful for planning, but it is not official until you actually file.

Troubleshooting identity verification problems

The most common problem is that the ID.me or Login.gov system cannot read your ID clearly. This usually happens if the photo is blurry, the lighting is bad, or the ID is damaged. Try taking the photo again in natural light, making sure all four corners of the ID are visible and in focus. If the system still will not accept it, you can request a video call with a real person — the system will offer this option after a failed attempt. The video call usually happens within a few minutes.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can still create a limited account using your email and phone number. You will not see your full earnings record until you verify in person, but you can still access some account features. To complete verification without a photo ID, visit a Social Security office with two forms of non-photo ID — a birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, or bank statement all work. Bring originals or certified copies; the office staff will verify you and unlock your full account.

If you are locked out of your account because you entered the wrong password too many times, go to the login page and click "Forgot password?" You will be asked to verify your identity again using the same ID.me or Login.gov process. This usually takes a few minutes. If you cannot remember the email address you used to create the account, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to reset it.

What you cannot do in your account

Your account is read-only for most tasks. You can view information and change your direct deposit details, but you cannot file a new claim, request a replacement Social Security card, change your name or address, or appeal a decision. If you need to do any of those things, you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. The office finder is at ssa.gov/locator. Many offices are now by appointment only, so call ahead before visiting.

You also cannot use your account to report a change in your circumstances — for example, if you got married, had a child, or started working again after retirement. These changes can affect your benefits, and you need to report them to the Social Security Administration directly. Some changes can be reported by phone; others require a visit to an office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find out what you need to do.

Keeping your account find

Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password you use for your bank or email. The Social Security Administration does not ask for your password by email or phone, so if someone contacts you claiming to be from the Social Security Administration and asks for your password, it is a scam.

Log out of your account when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213. The Social Security Administration can flag your account for fraud and send you a replacement Social Security card if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security account to receive benefits?

No. You can receive benefits without ever creating an account. The account is optional and just gives you a way to check your information online instead of calling or visiting an office. If you are already receiving benefits, you do not need an account to keep getting paid.

What if I do not have a computer or internet access?

You can call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone who can answer questions about your account and earnings record. You can also visit a local Social Security office — find yours at ssa.gov/locator. Many offices now require an appointment, so call ahead.

Can I file for benefits through my account?

No. You can view estimates and information, but you must file for benefits by phone, online through a separate process at ssa.gov, or in person at an office. Your account does not have a filing tool.

How long does identity verification take?

Usually a few seconds to a few minutes if your ID is clear and readable. If the system cannot read your ID, it will offer you a video call with a real person, which typically happens within minutes. If you cannot verify online, you can create a limited account and verify in person at an office later.

What if I forgot my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page. You will be asked to verify your identity again using ID.me or Login.gov, then you can create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.