What you need to do to set up a Social Security account
You create a Social Security account by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and providing your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. The site will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your financial history — things like which bank you used or what car loan you had. Once you pass that verification, you set a username and password, and your account is live.
The account itself does not create a Social Security number. If you do not have a number yet, you need to visit your local Social Security office or apply through the mail first. But if you already have a number and just need online access to view your earnings record, check benefit status, or manage your account, the online setup takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a valid Social Security number before you can create an online account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
- Identity verification happens through questions about your financial history, not by uploading documents.
- You will need an email address and phone number to complete the setup and receive security notifications.
- Once your account is active, you can view your earnings record, check benefit payment status, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.
What information you need before you start
Gather these items before you go to ssa.gov/myaccount: your Social Security number, your date of birth, a valid email address, and a phone number where you can receive a text message or call. You will also need to know details about your financial history — the Social Security Administration may ask about past addresses, employers, bank accounts, or loans you have held.
If you do not remember details about old accounts or loans, do not guess. The verification system checks your answers against credit bureau records. Wrong answers will lock you out temporarily. If that happens, you can try again after 24 hours, or you can verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office instead.
The step-by-step process to create your account
Step 1: Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in any web browser. Click "Create an account" on the homepage.
Step 2: Enter your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will check that these match Social Security's records. If they do not match, you cannot proceed online — you will need to visit an office or call 1-800-772-1213.
Step 3: Provide an email address and phone number. You will use the email to log in later, and the phone number to receive security codes when you sign in from a new device.
Step 4: Answer identity verification questions. These are drawn from your credit history and past financial accounts. Answer based on what you actually had, not what you think the answer should be. If you fail this step, wait 24 hours and try again, or go to an office to verify in person.
Step 5: Create a username and password. Your username can be your email address or something else you choose. Your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @.
Step 6: Review the terms of service and click to confirm. Your account is now active.
What happens if identity verification fails
If you answer the verification questions incorrectly, the system will tell you that you did not pass. You cannot try again immediately. Wait at least 24 hours, then return to ssa.gov/myaccount and try the setup process again. The system may ask different questions the second time.
If you fail verification twice, or if you do not have enough credit history for the system to verify you, you can prove your identity in person instead. Visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and your Social Security card or a document showing your number. An employee will verify you on the spot and can help you create your account right there, or they can create it for you and send you login instructions by mail.
What you can do once your account is active
Your Social Security account lets you view your earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This is important to check because errors in your record can lower your future benefits. You can also see an estimate of what your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits might be.
If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your payment amount, the date it was deposited, and where it went. You can change your address, phone number, or email address without calling or visiting an office. You can also request a replacement Social Security card (though some states now handle this through the DMV instead).
You cannot change your name, date of birth, or Social Security number through the online account. Those changes require you to visit an office in person with supporting documents.
Keeping your account secure
Use a password you do not use anywhere else. Social Security recommends using a passphrase — a string of random words — rather than a single word with numbers added. Write it down and store it somewhere safe, like a locked drawer or a password manager.
Every time you sign in from a new device or browser, Social Security will text or call you a security code. Enter that code to complete your login. Do not share this code with anyone, and do not give it to someone claiming to be from Social Security — the agency will never ask for it.
If you suspect someone else has accessed your account, change your password immediately. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. If you think someone has stolen your Social Security number, you can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus by calling Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
What to do if you cannot create an account online
If identity verification fails twice, or if you do not have a Social Security number yet, you will need to work with Social Security directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number ready.
You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number — your card, a birth certificate, a tax return, or a W-2 will work. An office employee can verify your identity and create your account on the spot, or they can start the process and send you instructions to finish it at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security number to create an account?
Yes. You must have a valid Social Security number that matches Social Security's records. If you do not have a number yet, you need to request one from Social Security first — that process takes place at an office or by mail, not online. Once you have a number, you can create your account.
Can someone else create an account using my Social Security number?
They can try, but the system requires identity verification — answers to questions about your financial history that only you should know. If someone tries to create an account in your name and fails verification, Social Security locks that attempt. If you think this has happened, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
What if I forget my username or password?
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot username or password?" You will be asked to verify your identity again by answering security questions. Once you pass, you can create a new username or reset your password. If you cannot pass verification, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office.
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 identity verification. Parents can view a child's Social Security record by visiting an office with the child's birth certificate and proof of the parent's identity, but they cannot create an online account on the child's behalf.
How long does it take to create an account?
The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if your identity verifies on the first try. If verification fails, you must wait 24 hours to try again. If you go to an office in person, an employee can complete it while you wait, though you may need to make an appointment first.