What you need to know before you start

Your Social Security account online is separate from your bank account. It lives on a government website called my Social Security, run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). You create the account yourself — nobody sends you a login or password. Once you have one, you can see your earnings record, check how much you might receive in retirement or disability benefits, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.

The first time you log in, you will create a username and password. After that, you use those same credentials every time. The whole setup takes about 10 minutes if you have the right documents ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your own my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, not through a bank or third-party website.
  • You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove your identity — usually a driver's license, passport, or state ID number.
  • The identity verification step happens once during setup and uses information from your credit history or state records, so it takes a few minutes.
  • After you finish setup, you log in with the username and password you created, and you can check your account from any device.

Step-by-step: creating your account for the first time

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in any web browser. Click the button that says "Create an account" — it is usually near the top of the page. You will see a form asking for your email address, a username you choose, and a password you create. The username can be letters, numbers, or both; the password needs at least 12 characters and must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @.

After you fill in that form, the SSA will send a confirmation email to the address you provided. Open that email and click the link inside it. This confirms that the email address is really yours and that you can receive messages there.

Next, you will answer security questions to prove your identity. The SSA will ask you questions based on information in your credit file or state records — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What is the name of your first pet?" If you do not have a credit history or the system cannot verify you this way, you can use your state ID number instead. Have your ID ready before you start.

Once the SSA confirms your identity, your account is active. You can log in right away using the username and password you created.

Logging in after your account is set up

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and look for the login box. Enter the username you created, then your password. Click "Sign in." If you have not logged in for a while, the SSA may ask you to answer a security question again before letting you in — this is normal and takes 30 seconds.

If you forget your username, click "Forgot username?" on the login page and enter your email address. The SSA will send your username to that email. If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the same process — you will get a link to create a new one.

What to do if identity verification fails

If the SSA cannot verify your identity using the security questions or your state ID number, you have other options. You can verify in person by visiting your local Social Security office with your original ID and Social Security card (or a birth certificate if you do not have the card). You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to verify by phone, though wait times are often long.

Some people cannot verify online because they are too young to have a credit history, are new to the country, or have had identity theft. If that is your situation, the in-person or phone route is usually faster than trying the online questions multiple times.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record — the wages you have earned each year that count toward Social Security. You can see how much you have paid into the system and check for errors. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through the account.

You can also see an estimate of how much you might receive in retirement benefits at different ages, or what your family might receive if you become disabled or pass away. These estimates change as you earn more, so checking once a year is useful.

The account also lets you change your address, phone number, or direct deposit information without calling or visiting an office. If you receive benefits, you can see your payment history and the amount of your next check.

Keeping your account find

Use a password you do not use anywhere else. Your Social Security number is sensitive information, and if someone gets into this account, they can see your earnings and benefits. Do not share your username or password with anyone, including family members or people claiming to work for Social Security.

The real SSA will never email you asking for your password or to click a link to "verify" your account. If you get an email like that, it is a scam — delete it. The SSA contacts people by mail, not email, when they need to take action.

Log out when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. Click the "Sign out" button in the top right corner of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a my Social Security account if I do not have a credit history?

Yes. If the security questions do not work because you have no credit file, you can verify using your state ID number instead. Have your driver's license or state ID ready when you create your account, and the system will ask for the number during setup.

What if I get locked out after too many wrong password attempts?

The system will lock your account temporarily for security. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If you keep getting locked out, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it, or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.

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

No. Your my Social Security account is on the government website and shows your earnings and benefit information. Your bank account is separate and holds your money. You can link your bank account to Social Security so benefits are deposited directly, but the accounts themselves are different.

Can I access my account from my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You log in the same way — username and password — and see the same information as on a computer.

What should I do if I think someone else accessed my account?

Change your password when ready by clicking "Forgot password?" on the login page. Then call 1-800-772-1213 and tell them you think your account was compromised. They can check for unauthorized changes and help you find it.