What you need to set up a Social Security account

A Social Security account (also called a my Social Security account) is a password-protected profile on the Social Security Administration's website where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage certain account settings. You create it yourself at ssa.gov — the Social Security Administration does not create accounts for you, and you do not need to visit an office.

To create an account, you will need a valid email address, a U.S. mailing address, and a phone number. You will also need to prove your identity during the setup process. Social Security uses a third-party identity verification service called ID.me to confirm you are who you say you are. This verification happens in real time and takes a few minutes.

You do not need to be retired, receiving benefits, or of any particular age to create an account. You can set one up as soon as you have a Social Security number, though most people create accounts when they are working or approaching retirement age.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account directly on ssa.gov by entering your email, name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
  • ID.me will ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID or answering questions about your credit history — this step takes five to ten minutes.
  • Once your account is active, you can view your earnings record, check your estimated benefits, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.
  • If you already receive Social Security benefits, you can also use your account to manage your direct deposit and request a replacement benefit card.

The step-by-step process to create your account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you will land on a page that says "Create a my Social Security account." Enter your email address — this becomes your username, so use one you check regularly. Social Security will send you a confirmation link to this email before your account is fully active.

Next, enter your first name, middle initial, last name, date of birth, and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card or official records. If any of this information is wrong in Social Security's system, your account creation will fail at the identity verification step. If that happens, you will need to contact Social Security directly to correct your record first.

Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write this password down or save it in a password manager — you will need it every time you log in. Social Security does not have a way to reset your password by email alone, so a lost password means a phone call to Social Security or a visit to an office.

Enter your phone number and mailing address. These are used to contact you if there is a problem with your account and to send you mail about your benefits. Make sure the address matches what Social Security has on file.

How identity verification works with ID.me

After you submit your information, you will be sent to ID.me, a third-party service that Social Security uses to verify you are the real person behind the account. ID.me offers two paths: upload a photo ID, or answer questions about your credit history.

The photo ID route is usually faster. You will be asked to take a photo of your driver's license, passport, or state ID card using your phone or computer camera. ID.me's system checks that the photo matches your face and that the ID is valid. This typically takes two to five minutes. If the photo is blurry or the lighting is poor, you can retake it.

If you do not have a photo ID or prefer not to upload one, you can choose the knowledge-based verification route instead. ID.me will ask you five to ten questions about your credit history — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which bank issued your credit card?" These questions come from your credit file, so you need to have established credit history to use this method. This route takes about five to ten minutes as well.

Once ID.me confirms your identity, you will be sent back to ssa.gov and your account will be active. You should receive a confirmation email at the address you provided.

What to do if verification fails

If ID.me cannot verify your identity, you will see a message saying verification was unsuccessful. This usually happens because the information you entered does not match what Social Security has in their system, or because your photo ID did not scan clearly.

If your information does not match, you will need to contact Social Security before you can try again. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local Social Security office to correct your name, date of birth, or address in their records. Once that is fixed, you can return to ssa.gov and try creating your account again.

If your photo did not scan clearly, you can usually try again when ready. Make sure you are in good lighting, hold the ID flat, and take the photo straight on. If you keep having trouble with the photo route, switch to the knowledge-based questions instead.

What you can do once your account is active

Once you are logged in, you can view your Social Security Statement, which shows your earnings history year by year and estimates what your benefits will be at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70). This statement updates once a year, usually in September.

You can also change your address, phone number, and email address without visiting an office. If you receive benefits, you can view your payment history, change your direct deposit information, and request a replacement benefit card. You cannot change your name, Social Security number, or date of birth online — those changes require a visit to an office or a phone call.

Your account also shows you if anyone else has tried to access it, which is a basic security feature. If you see a login you do not recognize, you can change your password when ready.

Keeping your account find

Your my Social Security account contains sensitive information, so treat your password like you would treat a PIN for your bank account. Do not share it with anyone, including family members or Social Security employees. Social Security staff will never ask for your password.

Use a unique password — do not reuse one from another website or account. If you use the same password everywhere and one website gets hacked, someone could use that password to access your Social Security account.

Log out when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. Your account will automatically log you out after 15 minutes of inactivity, but it is safer to log out yourself.

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 make certain changes without calling or visiting an office. If you prefer not to create one, you can still manage your benefits by phone or in person.

What if I do not have a photo ID or credit history?

If you cannot verify your identity through either ID.me method, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss other options. In some cases, you may be able to verify in person at a local office instead. Bring documents that prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport, or state ID.

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

No. Each person must create their own account using their own email address and Social Security number. If you need to manage benefits for someone else, you will need to be their representative payee, which requires a separate process through Social Security.

What happens if I forget my password?

Social Security does not have an automated password reset by email. You will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office to reset it. This is why writing down your password or saving it in a password manager is important — a lost password means a phone call or office visit.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

ssa.gov uses encryption and security measures to protect your data. However, no online system is completely risk-free. Never access your account from a public Wi-Fi network, and never click links in emails claiming to be from Social Security — go directly to ssa.gov instead by typing the address yourself.