What you need to do to set up a Social Security account
A Social Security account (also called a my Social Security account) is a free online portal where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information without visiting an office. You create it directly at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email address, and identity verification.
The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and requires you to prove who you are through one of two methods: answering questions about your credit history, or uploading a photo ID and taking a selfie. Once you finish, you can log in immediately and start viewing your account details.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov by providing your Social Security number, email, and a password, then verifying your identity.
- Identity verification happens either through credit history questions or by uploading a photo ID and taking a selfie — you choose which method works for you.
- After you set up your account, you can see your earnings record, get a benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number without calling Social Security.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, you can request a paper form to complete in person at a local Social Security office.
Step-by-step process to create your account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your email address, create a password (at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol), and provide your Social Security number. Social Security will send a confirmation link to your email — click it within 24 hours to continue.
Next, you choose your identity verification method. If you select credit history questions, Social Security will ask you about past credit accounts, loan amounts, or addresses you have lived at. Answer as many as you can correctly; you need to get most of them right to pass. If you choose the photo ID method, you will upload a driver's license or passport, take a selfie, and Social Security will compare them to verify you are who you say you are.
Once verification is complete, you will set up two-factor authentication by choosing whether to receive a code by text or email each time you log in. This protects your account from unauthorized access. After that step, your account is active and you can log in immediately.
What happens if identity verification fails
If you do not pass the credit history questions or the photo ID check, Social Security will not lock you out permanently. Instead, you will see a message saying verification was unsuccessful and you have the option to try again with the other method. You can attempt verification multiple times.
If both methods fail, you can request a paper form (called a Form SS-7) to complete and sign in person at your local Social Security office. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, tax return, or W-2). This route takes longer — typically one to two weeks after you submit the form — but it guarantees you can set up your account.
What you can do once your account is active
Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. You can check this record for errors and report corrections if you spot missing years or incorrect amounts. Correcting your record before you claim benefits matters because your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years.
You can also view an estimate of your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits at different ages. This estimate updates each year and shows you what you might receive if you claim at 62, full retirement age, or 70. The estimate is not a may provide — it is based on your current earnings record and assumes you continue working until the age you choose to claim.
From your account, you can change your address, phone number, or email without calling Social Security. You can also request a replacement Social Security card (in most states), view your Social Security Statement, and set up direct deposit if you are already receiving benefits.
Protecting your account after you create it
Use a strong, unique password — one you do not use for any other website. If you reuse passwords and another site gets hacked, someone could use that password to access your Social Security account and change your address or direct deposit information. Write your password down and store it somewhere secure, or use a password manager.
Enable two-factor authentication and keep your phone number or email current in your account. If someone tries to log in from a new device, Social Security will send you a code to approve the login. If you do not recognize the attempt, you can deny it and change your password immediately.
Do not share your login details with anyone, including family members or people claiming to work for Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for your password, and scammers often pose as Social Security staff to steal account access. If someone calls claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your password, hang up and call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.
If you cannot or do not want to create an account online
You can still view some of your information by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). A representative can tell you your earnings record, give you a benefit estimate, or help you change your address. This route takes longer — you may wait on hold, and the call might take 20 to 30 minutes — but it does not require internet access or identity verification online.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. Wait times vary by location and time of day; calling ahead to ask about current wait times can help you plan. Some offices allow you to make an appointment online at ssa.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security account to get benefits?
No. You can claim benefits by calling Social Security or visiting an office. A my Social Security account is optional and just makes it easier to check your information and manage your account without making a phone call or waiting in an office.
What if I forget my password?
Click "Forgot password?" on the login page and Social Security will send a reset link to your email. Click the link and create a new password. If you cannot access your email, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you regain access to your account.
Can someone else create an account using my Social Security number?
No. Social Security requires identity verification — either credit history questions or a photo ID and selfie — so someone would need to be you to create an account in your name. If you think someone has created an account using your information, call Social Security immediately at 1-800-772-1213.
How long does it take to verify my identity?
If you use the credit history questions or photo ID method, verification is instant or takes a few minutes. If you request a paper form to verify in person, it typically takes one to two weeks after you submit the completed form at your local Social Security office.
Can I delete my my Social Security account?
Yes. Log in to your account, go to settings, and select "Close account." Social Security will ask you to confirm. Once you close it, you can create a new account anytime by going through the setup process again.