You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record and benefit estimates

The Social Security Administration lets you set up an account on their official website to see your work history, check how much you've earned over your lifetime, and get an estimate of what your benefits might be. You don't need to visit an office or call — the whole process happens online through a system called my Social Security.

To create an account, you'll need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a way to prove who you are. The verification step usually takes a few minutes and happens right on the site. Once you're in, you can check your account whenever you want, download documents, and change your contact information.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to start creating your my Social Security account using your Social Security number and email address.
  • You'll need to verify your identity during signup, which the SSA does by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a code to your phone or email.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, see an estimate of your retirement or disability benefits, and download a benefit verification letter.
  • If you can't verify online, you can create an account by visiting a Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card.
  • Your account is protected by a password and two-factor authentication, so only you can see your information.

Steps to create your account online

Start at ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button to create a new account. You'll enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. The SSA will ask you to create a password — make it strong, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.

Next comes identity verification. The system will ask you questions about your credit history (like which bank issued a credit card you may have had) or offer to send a one-time code to your phone or email. Answer the questions or confirm the code, and your account will be active. This usually takes less than five minutes.

If the online verification doesn't work — because you don't have enough credit history or the system can't match your information — you have two options. You can ask the SSA to mail you a verification code, which takes about two weeks. Or you can visit a Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card to verify yourself face-to-face.

What you can see and do in your account

Once you're logged in, your dashboard shows your earnings record — every year you've worked and how much you earned. This is important to check because errors here directly affect how much your benefits will be. If you spot a mistake (a missing year, an amount that's too low, or earnings listed under the wrong year), you can report it to the SSA through your account.

You can also view an estimate of your retirement benefits at different ages — what you'd get if you claimed at 62, your full retirement age, or 70. The estimate updates as you add more earnings. If you're receiving disability or survivor benefits, your account will show your current payment amount and payment history.

Your account lets you download a benefit verification letter, which proves to a landlord, lender, or government agency how much you receive each month. You can also change your phone number, mailing address, or email address without visiting an office.

If you've lost access to your account

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot password?" You'll verify your identity again (using the same method as before) and then create a new password. This takes a few minutes.

If you can't remember your email address or Social Security number, or if you think someone else has accessed your account, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. They're open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your ID ready when you call.

Protecting your account from fraud

Your my Social Security account uses two-factor authentication, which means even if someone gets your password, they can't log in without also accessing your phone or email. Don't share your password with anyone, and don't log in from a public computer or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

If you see activity in your account you didn't do — a changed email address, a new phone number, or a benefit verification letter you didn't request — contact the SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213. They can lock your account and investigate. You can also report suspected fraud to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

What to do if you can't create an account online

Some people can't verify their identity through the website because their credit history is too thin, they're new to the country, or the system can't match their information. If this happens to you, the SSA will offer to mail you a verification code. You'll receive it in about two weeks, then return to the website and enter the code to finish creating your account.

If you prefer not to wait, visit your local Social Security office. Bring your ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card. An employee will verify who you are and help you create your account on the spot. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security account to get benefits?

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is just a way to check your information and manage your account yourself. If you prefer, you can call the SSA or visit an office to handle everything by phone or in person.

Can I see my benefit payment history in my account?

Yes. Once you're logged in, you can view your payment history for the past 12 months, including the date and amount of each payment. If you receive benefits, this information updates monthly.

What if my earnings record shows the wrong amount for a year I worked?

Report it to the SSA as soon as you notice it. You can report errors through your account or by calling 1-800-772-1213. Bring your tax return or W-2 from that year as proof. The SSA has a time limit for correcting old earnings, so don't delay.

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

No. Your my Social Security account is just for viewing your Social Security information. It's not connected to your bank account. If you want to change where your benefits are deposited, you'll do that through a separate process with the SSA or your bank.

Can I apply for benefits through my account?

You can start an application for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits through your account, but you'll need to finish it by phone or in person. The SSA will contact you to complete the process and answer questions about your situation.