You create a Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, not through a bank or third party

A Social Security account (officially called a my Social Security account) is a password-protected login where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office. You create it directly on the Social Security Administration website — there is no process form, no fee, and no waiting period. The whole process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right documents in front of you.

This is different from opening a bank account or explore for a benefit. You are straightforward setting up a find way to access information the Social Security Administration already has about you. You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number to create one.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" — this is the only official way to set up a Social Security account.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and either a phone number or mailing address on file with Social Security.
  • The system will ask you security questions based on your credit history, so you must have some credit record (a credit card, loan, or utility bill in your name helps).
  • Once your account is created, you can view your earnings history, get a benefit estimate, and change your contact information without calling or visiting an office.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to ssa.gov/myaccount. You will not be able to finish without them. First, have your Social Security number ready — the nine-digit number on your Social Security card. Second, have a valid email address that you check regularly, because Social Security will send you a confirmation link there. Third, have either a phone number or mailing address that Social Security already has on record for you — if you have ever filed taxes, applied for benefits, or contacted Social Security before, they have one or both.

You will also need to answer security questions based on your credit history. This means the system will ask you things like "Which bank issued your first credit card?" or "What was the name of your first car loan?" If you have never had a credit card, car loan, mortgage, or utility bill in your name, you may not be able to answer these questions. In that case, you will need to verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office or through an approved video call — see the section below on what to do if the online route does not work.

Step-by-step: creating your account online

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in any web browser. Click the blue "Create an account" button. You will see a screen asking for your email address — type it in and click "Next." Social Security will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes. Open that email and click the link inside it. This proves you own the email address.

Next, you will enter your Social Security number and date of birth. Then the system will ask you to create a password. Make it at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #) — a strong password protects your earnings record and benefit information. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one.

After that comes the security questions. The system will show you four or five questions about your credit history and ask you to pick the correct answer from multiple choices. Answer all of them correctly. If you get more than one wrong, the system will stop and tell you that you cannot create an account online — you will need to verify your identity in person instead.

Once you answer the security questions correctly, your account is created. You will see a confirmation screen, and you can log in right away to view your Social Security information.

If you cannot answer the security questions

If you have no credit history — no credit cards, loans, or utility bills in your name — the online security questions will not work. You will need to verify your identity in person instead. You have two options: visit a local Social Security office, or use an approved video call service.

To find your nearest Social Security office, go to ssa.gov/locator and enter your zip code. Call the office ahead of time to ask if they are taking walk-ins or if you need an appointment. Bring your Social Security card (or a birth certificate if you do not have the card), a photo ID like a driver's license or passport, and proof of your address — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address on it.

If you prefer not to visit an office, some Social Security locations offer video identity verification. Ask when you call whether your local office offers this service. The video call takes about 15 minutes, and you will need the same documents: your Social Security card or birth certificate, a photo ID, and proof of address.

What you can do once your account is active

Once you log in to your my Social Security account, you can view your earnings record — a list of every year you worked and how much you earned. This is important to check because Social Security uses this record to calculate your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. If you see a year where your earnings are wrong or missing, you can report it through your account.

You can also get a benefit estimate, which shows you roughly how much money you might receive if you retire at different ages (62, 67, or 70). This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you keep working until that age. The estimate changes as you earn more, so you can check it every year to see how your benefits might grow.

You can change your phone number, mailing address, or email address without calling Social Security. You can also set up direct deposit if you become may be able to access for benefits — this means your benefit payment goes straight to your bank account instead of arriving by mail. And you can read a benefit verification letter, which some employers or landlords ask for as proof that you receive Social Security benefits.

Keeping your account find

Your my Social Security account holds sensitive information — your earnings history, your benefit amount, and your personal details. Treat your password like you would treat your PIN at an ATM. Do not share it with anyone, and do not use the same password for your Social Security account that you use for other websites.

If you ever forget your password, go back to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot password?" You will answer your security questions again, and Social Security will send you a reset link to your email. If someone else tries to log in to your account, Social Security will lock it after a few failed attempts, so you do not have to worry about someone guessing your password.

If you think someone has stolen your Social Security number or accessed your account without permission, call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. They can help you find your account and check for any unauthorized changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can receive Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is optional and just makes it easier to check your information and manage your benefits from home instead of calling or visiting an office.

What if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create a my Social Security account online. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account at gmail.com, outlook.com, or yahoo.com in about five minutes. Once you have an email, you can come back and create your Social Security account.

Can someone else create a my Social Security account for me?

No. You must create the account yourself using your own Social Security number and email address. Social Security does this to prevent fraud. If you need help, a trusted family member can sit with you while you create it, but you have to do the actual steps yourself.

How long does it take to create an account?

If you have all your information ready and can answer the security questions, the whole process takes about 10 minutes. If you need to verify your identity in person at an office, that can take a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy your local office is.

What if I already have a my Social Security account and forgot my username?

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot username?" You will answer your security questions, and Social Security will show you your username or let you create a new one. You do not need to create a second account.