You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes

A Social Security account — officially called a my Social Security account — lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number without calling or visiting an office. You create it directly at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, email address, and a few pieces of personal information to verify your identity.

The account is free and takes roughly 10 minutes to set up. You do not need to visit a Social Security office or call anyone. Once you finish, you can log in anytime to see what Social Security has on record about your work history and what your future benefits might be.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to start; you will need your Social Security number and an email address you check regularly.
  • Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history, past addresses, or phone numbers you have used.
  • Once your account is active, you can view your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and update your contact information anytime.
  • If you cannot verify your identity online, you can finish the process in person at a Social Security office or by phone at 1-800-772-1213.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you go to ssa.gov/myaccount: your Social Security number, a valid email address you use regularly, and your date of birth. You will also need to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a Social Security number.

Have a phone or computer with internet access ready. The process works on both a smartphone and a desktop computer. You do not need to print anything or have documents on hand — Social Security verifies who you are by asking questions about information already in their system.

Step-by-step: creating your account online

Step 1: Go to the website. Open a web browser and type ssa.gov/myaccount into the address bar. You will see a blue button that says "Create an account." Click it.

Step 2: Enter your email and Social Security number. Type in an email address you check regularly — this is how Social Security will contact you if there are problems with your account. Then enter your Social Security number. Click "Next."

Step 3: Verify your identity. Social Security will ask you questions to confirm you are who you say you are. These questions usually ask about credit accounts, past addresses, or phone numbers associated with your Social Security number. Answer as accurately as you can. If you get one or two wrong, the system may ask follow-up questions or ask you to try again later.

Step 4: Create a password and security questions. Choose a strong password — at least 12 characters, with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Then pick two security questions and write down your answers somewhere safe. These questions help you recover your account if you forget your password.

Step 5: Confirm your email. Social Security will send a confirmation email to the address you entered. Open that email and click the link inside it. Your account is now active.

What to do if you cannot verify your identity online

If the online verification questions do not work — because your credit history is thin, you have recently moved, or the system cannot match your answers — you have two other options. You can finish creating your account in person at your local Social Security office, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to complete the process by phone.

For an in-person visit, find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease dated within the last 60 days). The office will verify your identity and set up your account on the spot.

If you call, have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. A representative will ask you questions to verify your identity and then set up your account. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What you can do once your account is active

Once you log in, you will see your earnings record — a year-by-year list of how much you earned and how much you paid in Social Security taxes. Check this for errors, because Social Security uses your earnings record to calculate your benefits. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through your account or call 1-800-772-1213.

You can also view your benefit estimate, which shows roughly how much you might receive each month at different ages — at 62, at your full retirement age, or at 70. This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you keep working until the age you choose. The estimate updates each year.

Your account also lets you change your address, phone number, or email address without visiting an office. You can also set up direct deposit for your benefits if you are already receiving them, or change your direct deposit information if you need to.

Keeping your account find

Use a password you do not use anywhere else. Write down your security question answers and store them somewhere safe — not on a sticky note on your monitor. Do not share your password with anyone, including family members or Social Security staff. Social Security employees will never ask for your password.

Log out when you are done using your account, especially if you are on a shared computer. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create an account if I do not have a credit history?

Yes, but you may not be able to verify your identity using the online questions. In that case, you can finish creating your account at a Social Security office or by phone. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID to the office, or call 1-800-772-1213.

What if I forget my password?

Click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will ask you to answer one of your security questions. If you answer correctly, you can create a new password. If you cannot remember your security answers, you can verify your identity again or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.

Is my information safe on ssa.gov?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to what banks use. However, no website is completely risk-free. Never share your password, and log out when you are done. If you see anything unusual in your account, report it to Social Security right away.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a parent or spouse?

No. Each person must create their own account using their own Social Security number and email address. If you need to help a family member, you can walk them through the steps, but they must be the one to enter their information and verify their identity.

How long does it take to create an account?

The online process usually takes 10 minutes. If you need to verify your identity in person or by phone, add 15 to 30 minutes for that step. Once your account is active, you can log in when ready.