You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes, and you need one to check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information online.

The account is called my Social Security, and it is free. You do not need to visit an office or call anyone to set it up. You will need your Social Security number, an email address, and a way to prove who you are — either a U.S. passport, a state driver's license, or a state ID card. If you do not have one of those documents, you can still create an account, but the verification step takes longer.

Once your account is active, you can see your complete earnings history, get an when ready benefit estimate, change your address or phone number, and report a lost or stolen Social Security card. You can also set up a replacement card to be mailed to you without leaving home.

Key Takeaways

  • You create a my Social Security account directly at ssa.gov — there is no separate form to mail in or office visit required.
  • You will need your Social Security number, an email address, and either a U.S. passport, state driver's license, or state ID card to verify your identity.
  • The account lets you see your earnings record, get a benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information without calling or visiting an office.
  • If you do not have a passport or state ID, you can still create an account, but the verification process takes a few extra days.
  • You should create an account before you turn 62 if you plan to claim benefits, so you have your estimate ready and your information is current.

What You Need Before You Start

Gather these items before you go to ssa.gov to create your account. You will need your Social Security number — the nine-digit number on your Social Security card. You will also need a valid email address that you check regularly, because Social Security will send you messages there about your account and any changes you make.

For identity verification, you must have one of these documents: a U.S. passport, a state driver's license, or a state ID card. The document must be current or expired no more than five years ago. If you do not have any of these, you can still create an account, but you will go through a different verification process that involves answering questions about your financial history and waiting for Social Security to mail you a verification code.

Have your phone number ready as well. Social Security will ask for it during setup, and you may need it if you have trouble logging in later.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the link that says "Create an account" or "Sign up for my Social Security." Click it. You will land on a page that asks you to enter your email address and create a password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @. Write this password down somewhere safe — you will need it every time you log in.

After you create your password, Social Security will send a verification code to your email. Open that email and enter the code on the website. This step confirms that you own the email address you provided.

Next, you will enter your Social Security number and answer a few questions about yourself — your name, date of birth, and address. Then comes identity verification. If you have a passport or state ID, Social Security will ask you to upload a photo of it or answer a series of questions about your credit history and financial accounts. The photo upload is faster — usually when ready. The question route takes a few days because Social Security has to verify your answers.

Once your identity is confirmed, your account is active. You can log in when ready and start viewing your information.

What Happens If Verification Fails

If Social Security cannot verify your identity on the first try, you will see a message telling you to try again or choose a different verification method. Do not panic — this is common and does not mean you did anything wrong. You can try uploading your document again, or you can switch to the question-based method.

If the question method does not work either, Social Security will mail you a verification code to the address on file. This takes about five to seven business days. When it arrives, log back into your account and enter the code. Your account will then be fully verified.

If you never receive the code or cannot verify your identity after multiple attempts, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for help. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready when you call.

What You Can Do Once Your Account Is Active

Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings record — every year you worked and how much you earned. This is important because your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. You can check that Social Security has the right information and catch errors before you claim benefits.

You can also get an when ready benefit estimate. This shows roughly how much you would receive per month if you claimed at age 62, at your full retirement age, or at age 70. The estimate is not final — it changes as you earn more — but it gives you a real number to plan with.

From your account, you can update your address, phone number, or email. You can also report a lost or stolen Social Security card and request a replacement card to be mailed to you. You cannot change your name or Social Security number through the online account; those changes require a visit to a Social Security office or a phone call.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not use a password you have used for other websites. Social Security accounts are targets for fraud, and if someone gets your password, they can see your earnings record and benefit information. Use a unique, strong password and store it somewhere find.

Do not ignore the verification email Social Security sends you. Check your email inbox and spam folder within a few minutes of starting the account creation. If you do not verify your email address within 24 hours, you will have to start over.

Do not assume your earnings record is correct just because it is in the system. Review it carefully, especially if you worked under a different name, worked for multiple employers in one year, or had gaps in employment. If you spot an error, contact Social Security right away — corrections can take months, and you want them done before you claim benefits.

Do not create an account using someone else's Social Security number or information. Each person must create their own account using their own number and email address.

If You Cannot Create an Account Online

If you do not have a computer or internet access, or if you cannot verify your identity online, you can visit a Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and proof of your current address (a utility bill or lease works). A staff member can help you create your account or can print out your earnings record and benefit estimate for you.

You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for your earnings record and benefit estimate by phone. The staff member will ask you questions to verify your identity and then read the information to you. You can request that they mail you a printed copy.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. You do not need an appointment, but wait times can be long. Calling ahead or visiting early in the week usually means a shorter wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security account to claim benefits?

No. You can claim benefits by phone, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office without ever creating an online account. However, having an account makes it easier to track your earnings record and get your benefit estimate before you claim.

What if I forget my password?

Go to the my Social Security login page and click "Forgot password?" Social Security will send you a link to reset it. You will need access to the email address you used to create the account. If you cannot access that email, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for help.

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. You cannot create or manage an account for another adult, even if you have power of attorney. If your parent or spouse needs help, you can go with them to an office or help them on the phone, but they must provide their own information.

Is my information safe on the my Social Security website?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, but no website is completely risk-free. Use a strong, unique password and do not share your login information with anyone. If you notice suspicious activity on your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213.

How long does it take to create an account?

If you have a passport or state ID and upload a photo, the account is usually active within minutes. If you use the question-based verification method, it takes a few days. If Social Security has to mail you a verification code, allow five to seven business days.