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 estimate, and manage your Social Security information. You create it directly at ssa.gov, not through a third-party site or app.

To set one up, you need a valid email address, a U.S. mailing address, and a phone number. You'll also need to verify your identity using information from your Social Security number, date of birth, and either a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have these items ready.

You do not need to be receiving benefits yet. You can create an account while still working, before you claim anything, or years after you've started receiving payments. The account works the same way regardless of your benefit status.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account directly on ssa.gov by entering your email, phone number, and mailing address, then verifying your identity with a government-issued ID.
  • The Social Security Administration uses a third-party identity verification service called ID.me to confirm you are who you say you are before you can access your account.
  • Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings history, check your estimated benefit amount, and change your contact information without calling or visiting an office.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can visit a Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card to set up an account instead.

The step-by-step process on ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and you'll land on a page that asks for your email address. Enter an email you check regularly — this is how Social Security will contact you if there's a problem with your account.

Next, you'll create a password. Social Security requires at least 12 characters, and it must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write this down somewhere safe, or use a password manager. You'll need it every time you log in.

After that, you'll enter your phone number and mailing address. Social Security uses these to contact you and to verify your identity. Make sure the address matches what's on your government ID — mismatches can slow down verification.

Once you've filled in these fields, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. This is where ID.me comes in. ID.me is a third-party company that the Social Security Administration uses to confirm you are who you claim to be. You'll be asked to upload a photo of your driver's license, state ID, or passport, and to take a selfie. The process is automated and usually takes a few minutes.

What happens during identity verification with ID.me

When you reach the ID.me step, you'll see a prompt to upload a photo of your government-issued ID. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your driver's license, state ID, or passport. Make sure the text is readable and all four corners are visible. Blurry or cropped photos will be rejected and you'll have to try again.

After you upload your ID, ID.me will ask you to take a selfie — a photo of your face. You'll need to be in a well-lit space and look directly at the camera. ID.me uses facial recognition to match your selfie to your ID photo. This usually takes less than a minute.

Once ID.me has verified your identity, you'll be sent back to ssa.gov and your account will be active. You should receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. If verification fails, ID.me will tell you why — usually because the photo was unclear or the face didn't match — and you can try again when ready.

In rare cases, ID.me cannot verify you automatically and will ask you to schedule a video call with a human reviewer. This is free and usually happens within a few days. The reviewer will ask you questions about your ID and may ask you to show additional documents. This step protects your account from fraud.

Accessing your account after setup

Once your account is active, you can log in to ssa.gov anytime using your email address and password. The first time you log in, you'll see your dashboard. From there, you can view your earnings record — a year-by-year breakdown of the wages Social Security has on file for you. This is important to check because errors here directly affect your benefit amount.

You can also see your estimated benefit amount. Social Security calculates this based on your age, your earnings history, and the age at which you plan to claim. The estimate updates whenever your earnings record changes. Keep in mind this is an estimate, not a may provide — your actual benefit will be calculated when you claim.

From your account, you can also change your phone number, email address, or mailing address without calling Social Security. You can request a replacement Social Security card (in most states). You can also set up direct deposit for your benefits if you're already receiving them, or change your direct deposit information if you need to switch banks.

What to do if you cannot verify your identity online

If ID.me cannot verify you after multiple attempts, or if you don't have a government-issued ID, you can set up your account in person at a Social Security office. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Call ahead to ask about wait times — many offices now require appointments.

Bring your Social Security card, a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your address (a recent utility bill, lease, or bank statement). A Social Security representative will verify your identity on the spot and create your account for you. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

If you're unable to visit an office, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Explain that you cannot verify your identity online and ask what options are available. Wait times are often long, so call early in the morning or on a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Protecting your account after you create it

Once your account is set up, treat your password like you would treat your Social Security number. Do not share it with anyone, including Social Security employees (they will never ask for it). Do not use the same password for your Social Security account that you use for email, banking, or other sites.

Enable two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it. This means that when you log in, you'll need to enter a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. Check your account regularly — at least once a year — to make sure your earnings record is correct and your contact information is up to date.

If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you think your Social Security number has been stolen, you can place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Common problems and how to fix them

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov and click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will send you a link to reset it. The link expires after one hour, so check your email right away. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder.

If your account is locked after too many failed login attempts, wait 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to unlock it. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready.

If you see an error message saying your identity could not be verified, make sure the information you entered matches your government ID exactly — including middle names, suffixes, and spelling. If it still doesn't work, try the in-person route at a local Social Security office instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security account to receive benefits?

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. However, having an account makes it easier to manage your information, check your earnings record, and update your contact details without calling or visiting an office.

Can someone else create an account using my Social Security number?

No. ID.me requires you to verify your identity with a government-issued ID and a selfie, so someone else cannot create an account pretending to be you. If you think someone has tried, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 right away.

What if I don't have a driver's license or passport?

You can use a state ID card instead. If you don't have any government-issued photo ID, visit a Social Security office in person with your Social Security card and any other ID you have (even a non-photo ID like a birth certificate). A representative can help you set up an account.

How long does it take to create an account?

The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies automatically. If ID.me needs to schedule a video call with a human reviewer, the account setup may take a few days longer, but the video call itself is quick.

Can I delete my Social Security account?

Yes. Log in to your account, go to settings, and look for the option to close or delete your account. Social Security will ask you to confirm. Once deleted, you can create a new account anytime using the same process.