What you need to do to set up a my Social Security account

You create a my Social Security account directly on the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity using information from your Social Security record and a credit report. Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings history, check your benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number without calling or visiting an office.

You do not need to go to a Social Security office in person. The entire setup happens online, and you can do it from home on any device with internet access.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your account at ssa.gov/myaccount by entering your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
  • Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading documents like a driver's license or passport.
  • The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up once you have your Social Security number and a valid email address.
  • After you create your account, you can view your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and update your contact information without calling Social Security.

Step-by-step: Creating your account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button to create an account. You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will send a verification code to that email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on the website.

Next, Social Security asks you to verify your identity. You have two paths: answer security questions based on your credit history, or upload a photo ID. The credit history route is faster if you have established credit. If you choose the photo ID route, you upload a clear image of the front and back of your driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Social Security reviews the upload and sends you a result within a few minutes to a few hours.

Once your identity is confirmed, you create a password and set up two-factor authentication — usually a phone number where Social Security can text you a code when you log in. After that, your account is active and you can log in immediately.

What information you need before you start

Have your Social Security number ready. You also need a valid email address that you check regularly, because Social Security uses it to send you verification codes and account alerts. If you plan to upload a photo ID instead of answering security questions, make sure your ID is current and the image is clear enough to read the text.

If you do not have a Social Security number yet, you must apply for one first through your local Social Security office or by mail. You cannot create a my Social Security account without a number.

Identity verification: credit questions versus photo ID

The credit history route asks you five to ten questions about accounts, loans, or credit cards in your name. The questions pull from your credit report and have multiple-choice answers. This method works only if you have established credit history — if you have never had a credit card, loan, or mortgage, Social Security may not have enough information to verify you this way.

The photo ID route lets you upload an image of your driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Take a photo or scan both the front and back of the card in good lighting so the text is readable. Upload both images through the website. Social Security reviews them and sends you a result, usually within minutes but sometimes within a few hours. If the upload is rejected, you can try again or switch to the credit history method.

If you cannot verify your identity online through either method, you can visit a Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card. An employee can verify you on the spot and set up your account.

What you can do once your account is active

Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings history — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on record for you. You can check this record to make sure it is correct, because errors can lower your future benefit amount. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through your account or by contacting Social Security directly.

You can also view your benefit estimate, which shows how much you might receive at different ages if you claim retirement benefits. The estimate updates once a year and assumes you keep working and earning at your current rate. You can change your address, phone number, or email address through your account without calling or visiting an office. If you receive benefits, you can also view your payment history and manage your direct deposit information.

Troubleshooting: What to do if you get stuck

If you do not receive the verification email, check your spam and junk folders first. If it is not there, wait a few minutes and request a new code. If the email never arrives, make sure you entered your email address correctly. You can also try creating your account again from the beginning.

If your identity verification is rejected, try the other method. If you uploaded a photo ID and it was rejected, the image may be too blurry, cut off, or at a bad angle — take a new photo in better lighting and try again. If you answered credit questions and they were rejected, you may not have enough credit history on file. Switch to the photo ID method or visit a Social Security office in person.

If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email. If you forget your username or email, you can use your Social Security number to look up your account instead.

Keeping your account secure after you create it

Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your name, birthday, or Social Security number in your password. Enable two-factor authentication, which sends a code to your phone every time you log in from a new device. This stops someone else from accessing your account even if they know your password.

Do not share your login information with anyone, and do not log in on a public computer or shared Wi-Fi network. Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a my Social Security account if I do not have a credit history?

Yes. If you cannot verify your identity through credit history questions, you can upload a photo ID instead. The photo ID method works for anyone with a valid government-issued ID, regardless of credit history.

How long does it take to create an account?

The account creation itself takes about 10 minutes. Identity verification through credit questions is instant. Photo ID verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, though it can occasionally take longer if Social Security needs to review the images manually.

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

No. You can claim benefits by visiting a Social Security office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or mailing an application. The my Social Security account is optional and exists to let you manage your information online without calling or visiting an office.

What if I lose access to the email address I used to create my account?

Log in to your account and update your email address in the settings. If you cannot log in, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and use the "Forgot username or email?" option. You can look up your account using your Social Security number and then reset your email and password.

Is my my Social Security account the same as my Social Security card?

No. Your my Social Security account is an online account that lets you view and manage your information. Your Social Security card is a physical card with your number on it. You need the number to create the account, but the account itself is separate from the card.