What a Social Security account on socialsecurity.gov does

A Social Security account on socialsecurity.gov is your personal login where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage your Social Security information without calling or visiting an office. Once you create an account, you can sign in anytime to see what Social Security has on file about you — the wages they've recorded, the credits you've earned, and an estimate of what your benefits might be at different ages.

The account itself doesn't change your benefits or start payments. It's a tool to see information Social Security already has and to make certain updates to your contact details. You create it once, and it stays active as long as you use it.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a Social Security account by visiting socialsecurity.gov, clicking "Create an account," and providing your name, email, and Social Security number.
  • Social Security will verify your identity by asking questions about your financial history or by sending a code to your email or phone.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, see an estimate of your future benefits, and update your address or phone number.
  • You do not need a Social Security account to receive benefits — the account is optional and is only for viewing and managing your information online.

How to create your account step by step

Go to socialsecurity.gov and look for the "Create an account" button, usually near the top of the page. Click it and enter your email address — this becomes your username. Social Security will send you a confirmation email; open it and click the link inside to continue.

Next, you'll enter your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Social Security requires a strong password to protect your account.

After that, Social Security will verify who you are. They typically ask you questions about your financial history — things like which bank you've used, what car you've owned, or what loan you've had. Answer based on your actual history. If you can't answer enough questions correctly, Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone instead, and you'll enter that code to finish creating your account.

What you can see and do once you're logged in

Your earnings record shows all the wages Social Security has recorded under your name and Social Security number, going back to when you started working. This is important because Social Security uses your highest 35 years of earnings to calculate your benefit amount. If you see a year missing or an amount that looks wrong, you can contact Social Security to correct it — but you have a limited time window to dispute old records, so check this regularly.

Your benefit estimate shows what you might receive per month if you start benefits at age 62, your full retirement age (which varies by birth year, typically between 66 and 67), or age 70. These are estimates based on your current earnings record and assume you'll keep working until that age. The estimate updates each year as you earn more credits.

You can also update your address, phone number, and email address in your account. These changes take effect when ready and help Social Security reach you if they need to contact you about your benefits or your account.

Identity verification if you get stuck

If Social Security's automated questions don't verify your identity, they'll offer to send a verification code to your email address or phone number. Check the email or text message you receive, copy the code, and enter it on the Social Security website. This code is usually valid for a short time — typically 24 hours — so complete the process quickly.

If you don't receive the code, check your spam or junk folder, or try the other method (email instead of text, or vice versa). If you still can't verify your identity, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with a representative who can help you create your account over the phone.

Keeping your account find

Your Social Security account holds sensitive information, so treat your password like you would a PIN for your bank account. Don't share it with anyone, don't write it down where others can find it, and don't use the same password for your Social Security account that you use elsewhere.

If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready. Go to your account settings, select "Change password," and enter your current password followed by a new one. If you can't log in because you think someone changed your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset it.

What you cannot do in your account

Your Social Security account lets you view information and make minor updates, but it doesn't handle major transactions. You cannot start your benefits, change your benefit amount, or report a death through your account. You also cannot update your name, date of birth, or Social Security number online — those changes require you to contact Social Security directly by phone or mail, usually with documents to prove the change.

If you need to do any of these things, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours, or visit your local Social Security office. You can find your nearest office by entering your zip code at socialsecurity.gov/locator.

If you forget your password or email

On the socialsecurity.gov login page, click "Forgot password?" and enter your email address. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password. Click the link in the email, answer a security question, and create a new password.

If you've forgotten the email address you used to create your account, you'll need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to get help. Have your Social Security number and other identifying information ready when you call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to create a Social Security account to get benefits?

No. Your account is optional and is only for viewing your information online. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an account. The account is a convenience tool, not a requirement.

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. You cannot create or manage an account for another adult. If you're a representative payee for a child or someone unable to manage their own benefits, contact Social Security directly for guidance on your role.

Is my information safe on socialsecurity.gov?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, but no website is completely risk-free. Never share your password, and always make sure you're on the real socialsecurity.gov website — not a lookalike site — before entering your information. Check that the web address starts with "https://" and look for a lock icon in your browser.

What if I see an error in my earnings record?

Contact Social Security as soon as you notice the error. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office. You'll need to provide documents like W-2 forms or tax returns to prove the correct amount. Social Security has limits on how far back you can correct records, so don't delay.

Can I change my benefit amount through my account?

No. Your benefit amount is calculated based on your earnings record and the age you choose to start benefits. You cannot change it through your account. To discuss your benefit options or make changes, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).