You create a Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, using your Social Security number, email address, and identity verification

A Social Security account — officially called a my Social Security account — is a free online portal where you can view your earnings record, check benefit estimates, and manage your Social Security information without visiting an office. You do not need an account to receive benefits, but having one lets you see what the Social Security Administration (SSA) has on file about your work history and projected benefits.

The account creation process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a way to prove your identity — either a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID. The SSA uses a third-party service called Login.gov to verify who you are, so you will create a Login.gov account as part of the setup.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount by signing up through Login.gov, which handles identity verification for the SSA.
  • You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) to complete verification.
  • The SSA may ask you security questions about your past — things like previous addresses or loan amounts — to confirm your identity.
  • Once verified, you can view your earnings record, see benefit estimates, and change your address or direct deposit information without calling or visiting an office.

Step-by-step account creation at ssa.gov/myaccount

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will be sent to Login.gov, where you enter your email address and create a password. The SSA uses Login.gov because it is a government-wide identity verification system — you may already have a Login.gov account if you have used other federal services online.

After you create your Login.gov password, you will be asked to add a phone number for two-factor authentication. This means the SSA will send you a code by text or phone call each time you log in from a new device. Enter your phone number and confirm it by entering the code you receive.

Next, you verify your identity. Login.gov will ask you to upload a photo of your government-issued ID — a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your ID and upload both. The system checks that the ID is real and matches your name and date of birth.

If Login.gov cannot verify your ID through the photo alone, it will ask you security questions instead. These questions are based on public records and your credit history — for example, "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2015?" or "What was the approximate loan amount for your car?" Answer based on what you actually remember, not what you think the answer should be. If you answer incorrectly, you can try again, but too many wrong answers will lock you out temporarily.

What happens after identity verification

Once Login.gov confirms your identity, you are returned to ssa.gov/myaccount and your account is active. You will see your Social Security number on the screen and a dashboard with links to your earnings record, benefit estimates, and account settings.

The first time you log in, review your earnings record to make sure the SSA has your work history correct. This record determines how much you will receive in benefits. If you see missing years, incorrect employer names, or wages that do not match your records, you can file a correction request directly from your account. The SSA will ask you to upload pay stubs or W-2 forms as proof.

If you cannot verify your identity online

If Login.gov cannot verify you through photos or security questions, you will be offered an in-person verification option. You can visit a Social Security office with your ID and complete verification there. The office staff will take your information and send it to Login.gov, which usually completes verification within a few business days.

Some people are locked out of Login.gov temporarily after too many failed verification attempts. If this happens, you will see a message telling you when you can try again — usually 24 hours later. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ask about in-person verification options in your area.

What you can do once your account is active

With an active my Social Security account, you can view your complete earnings record going back to the beginning of your work history. You can see exactly what the SSA has recorded for each year and each employer. You can also generate a benefit estimate that shows what you might receive at age 62, your full retirement age, or age 70, based on your current earnings record.

You can change your address, phone number, and email address without calling the SSA. You can also set up or change your direct deposit information so that benefits are sent to your bank account instead of a debit card. If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment history and see the date your next payment will arrive.

You cannot change your name, Social Security number, or date of birth through your online account. Those changes require a visit to a Social Security office or a phone call to 1-800-772-1213.

Keeping your account find

Your my Social Security account is protected by Login.gov's two-factor authentication, which means someone cannot log in even if they have your password. Each time you log in from a device the SSA has not seen before, you will receive a code by text or phone and must enter it to proceed.

Do not share your password with anyone, including SSA staff. The SSA will never ask for your password by phone, email, or mail. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the SSA and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.

If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your Login.gov password when ready and call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to protect yourself against identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is optional and exists only to let you check your information and manage your account online instead of by phone or in person.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You can still verify your identity through security questions based on your credit history and public records. If you cannot answer those questions correctly, you can visit a Social Security office in person with whatever ID you do have, and staff can help you complete verification.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a parent or spouse?

No. Each person must create their own my Social Security account using their own Social Security number and identity verification. You cannot create or manage an account for another adult. If someone is unable to create an account themselves, they can call 1-800-772-1213 for help.

What if I forget my Login.gov password?

Go to Login.gov and select "Forgot your password?" You will be asked to verify your identity again using your phone number or security questions. Once verified, you can create a new password. This process usually takes a few minutes.

Can I delete my my Social Security account?

You can deactivate your Login.gov account, which prevents anyone from logging into your my Social Security account. Go to Login.gov, sign in, and select "Delete account" in your settings. Your Social Security record itself is not deleted — you can create a new Login.gov account and access my Social Security again at any time.