What you need to create a Social Security online account
To log into Social Security online, you first create an account on ssa.gov using your email address and a password you choose. The Social Security Administration calls this a my Social Security account. You do not need to visit an office — the entire setup happens on the website.
Before you start, have these items ready: a valid email address you check regularly, your Social Security number, and proof of your identity. The site will ask you to verify who you are by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo ID and a document showing your current address (like a utility bill or lease).
If you do not have a photo ID or cannot answer the credit questions, you can still create an account by visiting a Social Security office in person with your documents. An employee there can verify your identity and set up your account for you.
Key Takeaways
- You create your my Social Security account directly on ssa.gov by entering your email, Social Security number, and a password you create.
- The site verifies your identity either by asking questions about your credit history or by having you upload a photo ID and proof of address.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, and change your address or phone number without calling.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it through your email.
- You can also create an account in person at any Social Security office if you prefer not to verify online.
Step-by-step: creating your account on ssa.gov
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the top right corner. Click it, then select "Create an account." You will land on a page asking for your email address. Use an email you check regularly — Social Security will send you password reset links and security alerts to this address.
Next, enter your Social Security number and create a password. The password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or #). Write it down somewhere safe or use a password manager.
After that, Social Security asks you to verify your identity. You have two paths: answer security questions about your credit history, or upload documents. The credit questions route is faster if you have established credit. If you choose the document route, you will photograph your driver's license or passport and a recent bill or lease showing your current address. Upload both images through your phone or computer camera.
Once Social Security confirms your identity, your account is active and you can log in when ready.
What you can do once you are logged in
Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This is the number Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. Check it every few years to make sure your employer reported your income correctly. If you spot an error, you can contact Social Security through the website to report it.
You can also view your estimated benefit amount at different ages. If you are not yet receiving benefits, the site shows what you might receive at 62, your full retirement age, and 70. This helps you decide when to start taking benefits.
From your account, you can update your address, phone number, and email without calling or visiting an office. You can also request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or damaged, though some states let you order one through the DMV instead.
If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment history and the amount of your monthly check. You can also change your direct deposit information if you switch banks.
Resetting your password if you forget it
On the ssa.gov login page, click "Forgot username or password?" Social Security will ask for your email address or username. Enter whichever one you remember, and the site will send a password reset link to your email.
Click the link in the email and create a new password following the same rules as before: at least 12 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol. The link expires after a few hours, so reset your password soon after you receive the email.
If you do not receive the email, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, make sure you are using the email address you registered with. If you still cannot reset your password, you can create a new account using a different email address, or visit a Social Security office for help.
Protecting your account from fraud
Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam — hang up or delete the message.
Use a strong, unique password that you do not use on any other website. If a hacker breaks into another site and finds your password, they could use it to access your Social Security account and change your address or phone number.
Turn on two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it on your account. This means that even if someone has your password, they cannot log in without a code sent to your phone or email. Check your account settings to see if this option is available.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
What to do if you cannot verify your identity online
Some people cannot answer the credit history questions because they have no credit history or very limited credit. Others do not have a photo ID or cannot photograph documents clearly. If you run into this problem, you have two options.
First, try the other verification method. If you tried credit questions and they did not work, try uploading documents instead. Make sure your photo ID is current and your address document is dated within the last 60 days. Take the photos in good lighting and make sure all four corners of each document are visible.
Second, visit a Social Security office in person. Bring your original Social Security card (or a birth certificate if you do not have it), a photo ID, and proof of your current address. An employee will verify your identity and create your account on the spot. You can find your nearest office on ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log into my Social Security account on my phone?
Yes. ssa.gov works on phones and tablets. You can log in the same way you would on a computer — enter your username or email and password. The site is designed to work on smaller screens, though some tasks like uploading documents are easier on a computer.
What if I created an account but never finished setting it up?
Go to ssa.gov and click "Sign In." Enter your email address or username and try your password. If you remember it, you should be able to log in. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot username or password?" and reset it. Your account is still there even if you did not use it for a while.
Do I need a my Social Security account to check my benefits?
No. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a representative who can tell you your benefit amount and answer questions. You can also visit an office in person. The online account is faster and available 24/7, but it is not required.
Can someone else access my account if they know my password?
Yes, which is why a strong, unique password matters. If you think someone knows your password, change it when ready. If you think someone has already accessed your account and changed your information, call Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 to report it and restore your account.
How long does it take to create an account after I verify my identity?
If you verify by answering credit questions or uploading documents, your account is usually active within minutes. You can log in and start using it right away. If you verify in person at an office, the employee sets up your account while you are there, and you can use it when ready.