You need a my Social Security account to check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information without visiting an office

A my Social Security account is a free online portal run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It lets you view your earnings history, see what benefits you might receive at different ages, change your address, request a replacement Social Security card, and report a lost or stolen card. You do not need to visit a local office or call to do any of these things once your account is set up.

The account is separate from your Social Security number itself — you are creating a login and password to access SSA's website, not creating a new number. If you already have a Social Security number, you can set up an account. If you do not have one yet, you will need to apply for a number first through your local Social Security office or by mail before you can create an online account.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount by providing your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address.
  • The SSA will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history, past addresses, or phone numbers — this takes a few minutes and happens immediately online.
  • Once your account is active, you can check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and update your address without contacting SSA directly.
  • If identity verification fails online, you can verify in person at a local Social Security office or by phone, though this takes longer.
  • You should set up a my Social Security account even if you do not plan to claim benefits soon, because it helps you catch errors in your earnings record early.

Steps to create your account online

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" or "Sign up now." You will see a form asking for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address. Use the email address you check regularly — SSA will send you a confirmation link there.

After you submit that information, SSA will attempt to verify your identity using questions about your credit history, previous addresses, or phone numbers you have used. These questions pull from public records and credit bureaus. Answer as accurately as you can. If you are unsure of an answer, select "I do not know" rather than guessing — too many wrong answers will stop the process.

If verification succeeds, your account will be active immediately and you can log in right away. If verification fails, SSA will tell you that you need to verify in person or by phone instead. This does not mean something is wrong — it means the system could not match your information to existing records quickly enough.

What to do if online verification does not work

If the online identity check fails, you have two options: verify by phone or verify in person at a local Social Security office.

To verify by phone, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and the email address you used to start your account ready. A representative will ask you questions to confirm your identity, then activate your account. This usually takes one call, but you may need to wait on hold. Phone verification is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

To verify in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. Tell the representative you want to verify your identity for your my Social Security account. They will complete the verification on the spot and your account will be active when you leave.

What you can do once your account is active

Once you log in, you can view your Social Security Statement, which shows your complete earnings record year by year. This is important because SSA uses your earnings history to calculate your benefits. If you see missing years, incorrect amounts, or employers you did not work for, you can report the error to SSA through your account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

You can also see your benefit estimate, which shows roughly how much you would receive per month if you claimed benefits at age 62, your full retirement age (which varies by birth year), or age 70. These are estimates only — your actual benefit will depend on your final earnings record and the exact month you claim.

Your account also lets you change your address, request a replacement Social Security card, report a lost or stolen card, and manage your contact information. You can do all of this online without scheduling an appointment or visiting an office.

Keeping your account secure

Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, date of birth, or name in your password. Do not share your password with anyone, including SSA representatives (SSA will never ask for your password).

Enable two-factor authentication if SSA offers it on your account. This means you will need to enter a code sent to your email or phone each time you log in from a new device. This protects your account if someone learns your password.

Log out when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. Do not leave your account open in a browser tab.

What happens if you forget your password

Click "Forgot your password?" on the my Social Security login page. SSA will send a password reset link to the email address on file. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder.

If you cannot access your email or do not remember which email you used, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you reset your account. You will need to answer identity verification questions again.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can claim benefits by visiting a local Social Security office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or applying online at ssa.gov/benefits-retirement-survivors-disability. An account is not required, but it makes it easier to check your information and track your application status.

Can I create an account if I do not have a Social Security number yet?

No. You must have a Social Security number first. If you need one, apply at your local Social Security office or download the application (Form SS-5) from ssa.gov and mail it in. Once you have your number, you can create your online account.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You can still create a my Social Security account if you have a valid Social Security number. The online identity verification process works the same way. If verification fails, you can verify in person at a local office with your passport and Social Security card.

Can someone else access my account if they know my email and password?

Yes, which is why a strong, unique password matters. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. SSA can lock your account while you sort it out.

How long does it take to create an account?

If online verification succeeds, your account is active in minutes. If you need to verify by phone or in person, it depends on how quickly you can reach SSA or visit an office — anywhere from the same day to a few weeks if offices are busy.