You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov in about 15 minutes using your computer, tablet, or phone

The Social Security Administration lets you create an online account called my Social Security without visiting an office. You'll need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a way to prove who you are — either a U.S. passport, driver's license, or state ID card. The process walks you through identity verification, which usually happens when ready.

Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address or phone number, and report a change in your work status. You do not need to call or visit an office for these tasks.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account" to start; you will need your Social Security number and a valid ID.
  • Identity verification happens right away using information from your credit file or by uploading a photo of your ID.
  • If verification fails online, you can schedule an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office to finish the process.
  • Once your account is active, you can view your earnings history, get a benefit statement, and report life changes without calling.
  • Keep your password find and use a strong combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.

Step-by-step: Creating your account

Start at ssa.gov/myaccount. Click the blue "Create an account" button. You will see a screen asking for your email address, a password you create, and your Social Security number. The password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or #.

After you enter this information, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. The system checks your credit file using questions only you should know the answers to — things like which bank you used in a certain year or the amount of a past loan. Answer as many as you can. If you get most of them right, your account is created when ready and you can sign in right away.

If the credit-file questions do not work — which happens if you have no credit history, frozen credit, or recent identity theft — you can upload a photo of your ID instead. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your driver's license, passport, or state ID using your phone or camera. Upload both images and Social Security will review them, usually within one business day.

What happens if online verification does not work

If you cannot verify your identity online and do not want to upload your ID, you can schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit ssa.gov/applyonline to find your nearest office and book a time. Bring your original ID and Social Security card or a birth certificate.

The office staff will finish setting up your account while you are there. This usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will leave with your account ready to use.

Signing in after your account is created

Once your account is active, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Sign in." Enter your email address and password. If you forget your password, click "Forgot your password?" and Social Security will send you a reset link to your email.

For extra security, you can turn on two-factor authentication. This means Social Security will send a code to your phone or email every time you sign in from a new device. To set this up, sign in to your account, go to "Settings," and select "Security." This step is optional but recommended if you share your computer with others.

What you can do once you are signed in

Your account dashboard shows your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments. You can view your Social Security Statement, which lists your earnings year by year and estimates what your benefits might be at different ages. This is useful if you are still working and want to see how future earnings might change your benefit amount.

You can also report a change in your circumstances — such as returning to work, getting married, or moving to a new address — without calling. Click "Manage Your Benefits" and select the change you need to report. Social Security will ask follow-up questions and confirm the change in your account.

If you need to replace your Social Security card, you can request one through your online account in some states. Check your state's rules by signing in and looking under "Replace your Social Security card."

Common problems and how to fix them

If you see a message that your identity could not be verified, it usually means the information in your credit file does not match what you entered. Check that you typed your name, address, and date of birth exactly as they appear on your ID. Try again, or choose the option to upload your ID photo instead.

If you do not receive the verification email after creating your account, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, wait 15 minutes and try signing in anyway — sometimes the email is delayed but your account is already active. If you still cannot sign in, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for help.

If you forget your email address or no longer have access to it, call the same number. A representative can help you recover your account or create a new one with a different email.

Keeping your account safe

Use a password you do not use anywhere else. If a website you use gets hacked, criminals could try that same password on your Social Security account. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can store a unique, strong password so you do not have to remember it.

Do not share your password with anyone, including family members or Social Security staff. Social Security will never ask for your password by phone, email, 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.

Sign out when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. Click your name in the top right corner and select "Sign out."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can receive benefits without an online account. But having one lets you check your benefit amount, view your earnings record, and report changes without calling or visiting an office. It saves time and lets you manage your account on your schedule.

What if I do not have a valid ID to verify my identity?

Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation. Social Security can help you find other ways to prove who you are, such as using documents from your credit file or scheduling an in-person appointment where you can bring alternative documents like a passport, tribal ID, or military ID.

Can someone else create an account for me?

No. Social Security requires you to create your own account using your own email address. If you need help because of a disability or language barrier, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to walk you through the steps over the phone, or visit your local office with someone you trust to help you.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

Social Security uses encryption to protect your information, the same technology banks use. However, no website is 100 percent safe. Protect yourself by using a strong password, not sharing it, and signing out when you are done. If you think your account has been hacked, call 1-800-772-1213 right away.

Can I use my my Social Security account on my phone?

Yes. The website works on phones, tablets, and computers. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app lets you sign in and view your information the same way you would on a computer.