You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov to view your earnings record, check benefit amounts, and manage your account from home

The Social Security Administration lets you set up an online account called my Social Security at ssa.gov. Once you log in, you can see your earnings history, check how much you might receive at different ages, view your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.

You do not need to create an account to receive benefits — the SSA handles that separately. But having an account means you can check your information anytime instead of calling or visiting in person.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your email address, Social Security number, and a password you choose.
  • The SSA will ask you security questions to confirm your identity before you can set up the account.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, see your estimated benefit amount, and update your contact information.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or by answering security questions.

Steps to create your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" sign-in box. Click the button that says "Create an account" or "Sign up now." You will need your email address, Social Security number, and a phone number to start.

The SSA will ask you to create a password — it must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe. Then you will answer security questions to prove you are who you say you are. These questions ask about things from your credit history, like past addresses or loan amounts. Answer as accurately as you can, because wrong answers will block your account creation.

Once the SSA confirms your identity, your account is active. You can log in right away using your email address and password.

What you can see and do after you log in

Your earnings record shows every year you worked and how much you earned. This matters because Social Security calculates your benefit based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you spot a mistake — a year where your employer did not report your wages correctly — you can contact the SSA to fix it, though you will need pay stubs or tax returns as proof.

You can also see your estimated benefit amount at different ages: 62 (the earliest you can claim), your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and 70 (the latest you can delay). These estimates assume you keep working and earning at your current rate until you claim. The amount changes if you stop working, earn much more, or claim at a different age than the estimate assumes.

If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your current monthly payment amount and view your payment history. You can also change your mailing address, phone number, or direct deposit information without visiting an office.

If you cannot remember your password

Go to ssa.gov and click "Sign in" on the my Social Security box. Then click "Forgot your password?" You will have two options: reset it using your email address, or answer security questions to reset it.

If you choose email, the SSA will send you a link to create a new password. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox within a few minutes. If you choose security questions, answer them the same way you did when you created your account. If your answers do not match what the SSA has on file, you will not be able to reset your password online — you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office.

If you cannot create an account or log in

The SSA may block your account creation if it cannot verify your identity through the security questions. This can happen if you have not used credit in a while, have a very new credit file, or if your information does not match what credit bureaus have on record. It can also happen if someone else has already created an account using your Social Security number.

If this occurs, call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) or visit your local Social Security office in person. You will need to bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number, like your Social Security card or a tax return. The SSA can verify your identity in other ways and help you set up your account or regain access to an existing one.

What information the SSA asks for during sign-up

You will need your Social Security number, email address, and phone number. The SSA also asks for your date of birth and the state where you live. During the identity verification step, it will ask security questions based on your credit history — for example, the amount of a past car loan or the address where you lived at a certain time.

The SSA does not ask for your password over the phone, in an email, or in a text message. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, do not give it to them — it is a scam. Hang up and call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in to my Social Security account on my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in there. The app shows the same information as the website.

What if my email address changes?

Log in to your account and go to the settings or profile section. You should see an option to update your email address. The SSA will send a confirmation link to your new email — click it to complete the change. After that, you will log in using your new email address.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

The SSA uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to online banking. Your password is never stored in a way the SSA can read it. However, you are responsible for keeping your password private and logging out when you finish, especially on a shared computer.

Can someone else log into my account if they know my password?

Yes, which is why a strong, unique password matters. Do not share your password with anyone, including family members or people claiming to work for the SSA. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213.

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

No. You receive benefits whether or not you have an online account. The account is just a way to check your information and manage your account from home instead of calling or visiting an office.