You create a Social Security account through the official Social Security website, not through a third-party site or app

To access your Social Security records, payment information, and earnings history, you need an account on ssa.gov, the official Social Security Administration website. You do not need to visit an office or call a phone number to set up an account — you can create one from home using a computer, tablet, or phone with internet access.

The account creation process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number. Social Security will verify your identity by asking questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit accounts you have held. This verification happens when ready during signup.

Once your account is active, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit payment status, change your address or phone number, and request a replacement Social Security card. You can also set up direct deposit for benefits if you are already receiving payments.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" to start; you will need your Social Security number, email address, and phone number.
  • Social Security will ask you identity verification questions during signup that only you should be able to answer, such as details about past addresses or credit history.
  • Your account lets you view your earnings record, check benefit amounts, and update your contact information without visiting an office.
  • If you cannot answer the verification questions, you can complete the process in person at a Social Security office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

Step-by-step account creation on ssa.gov

Start by going to ssa.gov in your web browser. Look for a button or link that says "Create an account" or "Sign up" — this is usually on the homepage. Click it to begin.

You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and date of birth. After that, Social Security will ask you to create a username and password. Your username can be an email address or a custom name you choose. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @.

Next, Social Security will verify your identity by asking five to ten questions about your personal history. These questions are based on information in credit reports and public records. Examples include: "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2015?" or "What was the loan amount on your car from 2018?" You must answer correctly to move forward. If you get more than two wrong, the system will stop and you will need to verify your identity another way.

Once verification is complete, your account is active when ready. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided. Save this email or write down your username and password in a safe place.

What to do if you cannot verify your identity online

If you answer the verification questions incorrectly or do not have enough credit history for the system to ask questions, you have two other options: verify in person at a Social Security office or verify by phone.

To verify in person, find your nearest 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. An employee will help you create your account on a computer at the office. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.

To verify by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. Tell the representative you want to create an online account. They will ask you questions to confirm your identity and then help you set up your username and password over the phone. You will still need to complete the final step online by visiting ssa.gov and entering the information the representative gave you.

What you can do once your account is active

Your Social Security account gives you access to several tools without needing to call or visit an office. You can view your complete earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you going back to when you started working. This record is used to calculate your benefit amount, so checking it for errors is important.

If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you can see your payment amount, the date it will be deposited, and your payment history for the past 12 months. You can also change the bank account where your payments are deposited, update your mailing address, or change your phone number.

You can request a replacement Social Security card through your account if yours is lost, stolen, or damaged. The card will be mailed to your address on file. You can also view your Social Security Statement, which shows your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your earnings record.

Keeping your account find

Your Social Security account contains sensitive information, so protecting it is important. Use a password you do not use on any other website. Do not share your username or password with anyone, including family members or Social Security employees — Social Security will never ask you for your password.

Log out of your account when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from Social Security. Social Security does not send unsolicited emails asking you to verify your account or click a link. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links or read any files. You can report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security account to receive benefits?

No. If you are already receiving benefits, your payments will continue whether or not you have an online account. An account is optional and straightforward gives you a way to check your information and make changes without calling or visiting an office.

What if I do not have an email address?

You will need an email address to create a Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. Once you have an email address, you can proceed with account creation on ssa.gov.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a family member?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and identity verification. If you need to manage someone else's benefits, you may be able to become an authorized representative, which requires a separate process through Social Security.

How long does it take to create an account?

The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if you can answer the identity verification questions. If you need to verify in person or by phone, add the time it takes to visit an office or wait on hold.

What if I forget my password?

Go to ssa.gov and select "Forgot your password?" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. If you do not have access to your email, you can verify your identity by phone at 1-800-772-1213 and they will help you reset it.