How to Create and Use Your My Social Security Account

What a My Social Security account does, and why you need one

A My Social Security account is a password-protected page on the Social Security Administration website where you can see your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and change your contact information — without calling or visiting an office. You create it yourself using your email address and a phone number. Once it's set up, you can log in anytime to view what Social Security has on file about you, which matters because errors in your earnings record can lower your benefits later.

You don't need a My Social Security account to receive benefits — Social Security will pay you whether or not you ever create one. But the account lets you catch mistakes early, see what your future benefit might be, and handle some tasks online instead of waiting on hold. If you're not yet receiving benefits, setting up an account now takes about 10 minutes and can save you time later.

Key Takeaways

• You create a My Social Security account directly on ssa.gov using your email, phone number, and Social Security number — no application form or government office visit required.
• The account shows your lifetime earnings record, estimated benefit amounts at different ages, and lets you update your address or phone number without calling.
• You must verify your identity during setup by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo ID, which takes a few minutes.
• Once your account is active, you can log in from any device, and Social Security will send you a confirmation email each time you sign in.
• If you already receive benefits, you can use the account to view your payment history and manage your direct deposit information.

Step 1: Go to ssa.gov and find the account creation page

Open a web browser and go to ssa.gov. On the homepage, look for a button or link that says "Create an account" or "Sign in to My Social Security." Click it. You will land on a page that asks whether you already have an account. Select the option for creating a new account.

The Social Security Administration also offers a direct link at ssa.gov/myaccount that takes you straight to the account creation page. Either route leads to the same place. Make sure you are on the official Social Security website — the URL should start with "ssa.gov" and have a lock icon in your browser's address bar.

Step 2: Enter your email address and create a password

The first screen asks for an email address. Use one you check regularly, because Social Security will send you a confirmation email and will use this address to contact you about your account. You can change the email later if needed.

Next, create a password. Social Security requires at least 12 characters, and the password must include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. If you forget it later, you can reset it using your email address.

Step 3: Verify your identity using credit history questions or photo ID

Social Security will ask you to prove you are who you say you are. You have two options: answer questions about your credit history, or upload a photo ID. The credit history route is faster if you have a credit file — Social Security asks five questions about accounts, loans, or credit cards in your name, and you answer based on what you actually know. If you don't have a credit history or the questions don't match your records, choose the photo ID option instead.

For the photo ID route, you will need to take a photo of your driver's license, passport, or state ID card using your phone or computer camera, then upload it. Social Security's system checks that the photo matches the name and date of birth you provided. This step usually takes a few minutes. If the upload fails, try a different angle or lighting, or switch to the credit history questions.

Step 4: Add a phone number for two-factor verification

Social Security will ask for a phone number — either a cell phone or landline. This number is used for two-factor verification, which means that each time you log in, Social Security sends a code to this phone number, and you enter the code to complete the login. This protects your account from unauthorized access.

You can use the same phone number you provided during identity verification, or a different one. Make sure it's a number you have access to regularly. If your phone number changes later, you can update it in your account settings.

Step 5: Review and confirm your information

Before your account is created, Social Security shows you a summary of the information you entered: your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Check that everything is correct. If you spot an error, go back and fix it. Once you confirm, Social Security creates your account and sends a confirmation email to the address you provided.

Open that confirmation email and click the link inside it to complete the setup. The link is usually active for a limited time, so do this within a few hours of receiving the email. After you click the link, your account is fully active and you can log in.

Step 6: Log in and explore what you can see

Go back to ssa.gov/myaccount and log in using your email address and password. Social Security will send a code to your phone number — enter it to complete the login. Once you're in, you will see your dashboard, which displays your estimated benefit amount, your earnings record, and your contact information on file.

The "Benefit Estimates" section shows what you might receive at different ages — for example, at 62, at your full retirement age, or at 70. These are estimates based on your earnings history and current law, not guarantees. The "Earnings Record" section lists your reported earnings year by year. Review this carefully, because errors here can reduce your benefits. If you spot a mistake — a missing year, an amount that looks wrong, or earnings credited to the wrong year — you can print the record and contact Social Security to request a correction.

What to do if you can't verify your identity online

If the credit history questions don't match your records and your photo ID upload fails, Social Security offers an in-person option. You can visit a local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form). An employee there can verify your identity and set up your account for you. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the office nearest you and ask about hours.

Some people are also unable to verify online because they don't have a credit file or a recent photo ID. If that describes you, the in-person route is your best option. Bring whatever identity documents you have — a birth certificate, passport, or state ID — and Social Security will work with you to confirm who you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Social Security will pay your benefits whether or not you have an account. The account is a tool for your own use — to check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, or update your contact information. Creating one is optional but useful.

What if I forget my password?

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot password?" Enter your email address, and Social Security will send you a link to reset it. Click the link in the email and create a new password. You don't need to call anyone or visit an office.

Can I use My Social Security on my phone?

Yes. The website works on phones and tablets. You can also download the official Social Security mobile app from your phone's app store, which lets you log in and view your information on the go. The app uses the same login as the website.

Is My Social Security account safe?

Social Security uses encryption and two-factor verification to protect your account. The two-factor code sent to your phone means that even if someone learns your password, they can't log in without access to your phone. Never share your password or the verification code with anyone, including Social Security employees.

What if my earnings record shows an error?

Print the earnings record from your account and contact Social Security with proof of the correct amount — like a tax return, W-2 form, or pay stub. You can call 1-800-772-1213, mail the documents to your local office, or visit in person. Corrections can take several weeks, so report errors as soon as you notice them.