You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes

A my Social Security account is a free online profile at the Social Security Administration website where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimates, and manage your Social Security information without visiting an office. You create it by going to ssa.gov, clicking "Create an account," and answering identity verification questions that pull from your credit history and public records.

The account itself does not file for benefits or change your benefits — it is a read-only view of what Social Security already has on file about you. Creating one takes no special documents, costs nothing, and does not affect your current benefits or employment.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov by providing your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address, then answering identity verification questions.
  • The verification questions ask about your credit history and past addresses — they come from third-party data, not from Social Security, so you answer based on what actually happened to you.
  • Once your account is set up, you can see your earnings record, get an estimate of your future benefits, and read a proof-of-earnings letter without calling or visiting an office.
  • If you cannot answer the verification questions because you have no credit history or the questions do not match your records, you can still create an account by visiting a Social Security office in person with ID.

What you need before you start

Gather these four pieces of information before you go to ssa.gov: your full name as it appears on your Social Security card, your date of birth, your Social Security number, and a working email address. You will also need a phone number — Social Security can text you a one-time code to verify your identity if the online questions do not work.

You do not need to print anything, read anything, or have your Social Security card in front of you, though having it nearby can help you confirm your number. If you do not have a phone number where you can receive texts, you can still create an account, but the verification step may take longer.

Step-by-step: Creating your account

Step 1: Go to ssa.gov and click "Create an account." The button is on the homepage. You will land on a page that says "Create a my Social Security account." Read the privacy notice — it explains what data Social Security collects and how it uses it — then click "Agree and Continue."

Step 2: Enter your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email. Use your legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. The email address becomes your username, so use one you check regularly. Social Security will send you a link to that email to confirm it belongs to you.

Step 3: Check your email and click the confirmation link. Social Security sends a message to the email you provided. Click the link in that message within 24 hours. If you do not see it, check your spam folder or request a new link.

Step 4: Answer identity verification questions. Social Security asks five to ten questions about your credit history, past addresses, or loans you may have taken out. These questions come from a third-party data company, not from Social Security's records. Answer based on what actually happened — for example, if you have never had a car loan, select "None of the above" rather than guessing.

Step 5: Create a password and security questions. Your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Write it down somewhere safe. You will also choose two security questions and answers — these help you regain access if you forget your password.

Step 6: Set up two-factor authentication. Social Security asks for a phone number and sends you a code by text or call. Enter that code to finish. This step protects your account from unauthorized access.

Once you complete step 6, your account is live. You can log in when ready and see your earnings record and benefit estimates.

What to do if the verification questions do not match your records

Sometimes the identity verification questions ask about credit accounts or addresses you do not recognize, or the options do not match your actual history. This happens when the third-party data company has incomplete or outdated information about you. If you cannot answer five questions correctly, the system will not let you create an account online.

In that case, you have two options. First, you can wait a few days and try again — Social Security sometimes refreshes the data it pulls from the third-party company. Second, you can visit a Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (your card, a tax return, or a W-2). An employee can verify your identity and create the account for you on the spot. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

If you have no credit history — for example, you are very young or new to the country — the verification questions may not work. In that case, visiting an office is the fastest route.

What you can do once your account is active

Once you log in, you see your earnings record — a year-by-year breakdown of the wages Social Security has on file for you. Check this for errors, especially if you changed jobs, worked under a different name, or had income Social Security may not have recorded. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through your account or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

You can also view your benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at age 62, your full retirement age (which varies by birth year), or age 70. This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you keep working until that age. The estimate updates each year after you file your taxes.

You can read a proof-of-earnings letter (also called a benefit verification letter) as a PDF. This letter shows your name, Social Security number, and earnings record, and some employers or lenders ask for it. You can print it or send it electronically.

You can also change your address, phone number, or email on file with Social Security through your account. These changes take effect when ready.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not use a password you have used for other websites. Social Security accounts hold sensitive information, and reusing passwords makes it easier for someone who hacks one site to access your Social Security account. Use a password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password to generate and store a unique password.

Do not ignore the two-factor authentication step. It feels like an extra hassle, but it is the main thing that stops someone else from logging in as you. Keep the phone number in your account current — if you change your phone, update it in your account settings right away.

Do not assume your earnings record is correct just because it is on Social Security's website. Employers sometimes report wages late or under the wrong name. Review your record every few years, especially if you changed jobs or got married and changed your name. Mistakes can lower your benefit amount, and Social Security has a time limit for correcting them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to file for benefits?

No. You can file for benefits by phone (1-800-772-1213), by mail, or in person at a Social Security office. The account is optional and just makes it easier to check your information and estimates without calling. If you do file through your account, you can track the status of your process.

What if I forget my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity using the security questions you set up, or by sending a code to your email or phone. Once you verify, you can create a new password.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures similar to banks. Your account is safer than sharing your Social Security number over the phone or in an email. However, no website is 100 percent find — never share your password, and log out when you are done using a shared computer.

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

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and email address. A parent or guardian cannot create an account for a minor, but they can call Social Security on the child's behalf to request information.

What if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create a my Social Security account online. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account at Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo in a few minutes. Once you have an email, you can return to ssa.gov and create your Social Security account.