You can create a Social Security account and start an process on ssa.gov without visiting an office

The Social Security Administration lets you create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and begin most applications from home. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The process takes about 15 minutes to set up your account, and you can save your process and come back to it later if you need to gather documents.

Not every process works fully online. Retirement and some disability claims can be started and submitted online. Survivor benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and certain other programs still require you to finish your process by phone or in person, though starting online speeds things up because the Social Security Administration already has your basic information.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to create your account using your Social Security number, email, and a photo ID or passport.
  • Retirement and some disability applications can be completed and submitted entirely online; others require a phone call or office visit to finish.
  • You can save your process mid-way through and return to it later, so you do not have to complete everything in one sitting.
  • The Social Security Administration will contact you by phone or mail if they need documents or more information from you.
  • If you run into trouble during setup, you can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with someone who can help you create your account.

Step-by-step: Creating your ssa.gov account

Start by going to ssa.gov/myaccount in any web browser. Click "Create an account" and enter your email address. The Social Security Administration will send you a link to confirm that email — click it within 24 hours or you will have to start over.

Next, you will enter your Social Security number and answer security questions to prove who you are. You will create a username and password. Then comes identity verification: the system will ask you to take a photo of your driver's license, state ID, or passport using your phone or computer camera. It reads the document automatically and compares it to your face. If the system cannot verify you this way, it will offer you a code to enter by phone instead.

Once your account is live, you can log in anytime to check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and start an process. The whole setup usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Which applications you can complete online

Retirement benefits can be started and finished online. You enter your work history, banking details for direct deposit, and expected start date. You can submit it and get a decision without leaving your house.

Disability (SSDI) and Blindness or Disability (SSD) applications can be started online, but you will need to finish by phone. The online form collects your basic information, medical history, and work background. A Social Security representative will call you to go over your medical records and ask follow-up questions. This phone interview usually happens within a few weeks.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), survivor benefits, and replacement documents (like a new Social Security card) cannot be started online. You will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to begin these. However, you can still create your ssa.gov account to check your earnings record and other information while you work through these applications by phone or in person.

What documents you may need to have ready

For a retirement process, gather your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency (passport, naturalization papers, or green card), and your driver's license or state ID. You will also need your banking information if you want direct deposit — your routing number and account number.

For a disability process, have your medical records and the names and phone numbers of doctors or hospitals that have treated you. Write down the dates you stopped working and why. If you have worked recently, bring your most recent pay stub and tax return.

You do not have to upload documents during the online process. The Social Security Administration will ask you to mail or bring originals later if they need to see them. Uploading during the process can speed things up, but it is not required.

Saving your process and coming back to it

The online process saves automatically as you fill it out. If you close your browser or step away, your work is still there. Log back into ssa.gov/myaccount and click on your process to pick up where you left off. You can take days or weeks to finish if you need to gather information.

If your process times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, you will be logged out for security. Log back in and your answers will still be saved. There is no penalty for taking your time — the Social Security Administration does not care how long you take to complete the form.

What happens after you submit

Once you submit your process online, you will see a confirmation number on your screen. Write it down or take a screenshot. The Social Security Administration will send you a letter in the mail confirming they received it.

For retirement applications, you may get a decision within days or weeks. For disability, the process usually takes three to five months, though it can take longer if they need more medical information from you. The Social Security Administration will contact you by phone or mail if they need anything else.

You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into ssa.gov/myaccount and looking at your process history. It will tell you what stage it is in and whether they are waiting for anything from you.

Troubleshooting account setup and identity verification

If the camera-based identity verification does not work — because your ID is damaged, your lighting is poor, or the system cannot read it — you will be offered a phone verification option instead. The Social Security Administration will text you a code, you enter it, and a representative calls you to verify your identity by asking security questions. This takes about five minutes.

If you cannot remember your username or password, click "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" on the login page. You will verify your identity again and create a new one. If you are locked out after too many wrong password attempts, wait 30 minutes and try again.

If you get stuck during account creation, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). A representative can walk you through the setup or create your account over the phone if the online process is not working for you. There is no charge for this call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for Social Security on my phone?

Yes. The ssa.gov website works on phones and tablets. The identity verification step — taking a photo of your ID — is actually easier on a phone because you can use your phone's camera. The process itself works the same way on any device.

Do I have to use my real name for my username?

No. Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to match your legal name. Pick something you will remember. Your password should be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

What if I do not have a driver's license or passport?

You can use the phone verification option instead. During account setup, when the camera verification fails or you skip it, the system offers a phone code. You receive a text with a code, enter it, and a representative verifies your identity by phone. This works just as well as uploading an ID photo.

Can someone else create an account for me?

No. The Social Security Administration requires you to verify your own identity and create your own account for security reasons. If you need help, a representative can guide you over the phone at 1-800-772-1213, or you can visit your local Social Security office and ask staff to help you set up your account on a public computer there.

How long does it take to get a decision after I submit online?

Retirement decisions usually come within days to a few weeks. Disability decisions typically take three to five months because the Social Security Administration reviews your medical records carefully. Timelines vary based on how complete your process is and how quickly your doctors respond to requests for records.