You can create a Social Security account and sign up for benefits through my Social Security, the official website run by the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) lets you create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and manage your benefits online without visiting an office. You will need an email address, a phone number, and a way to verify your identity — either a driver's license, state ID, or passport. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and you can do it from home on a computer or phone.

Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount before you claim, change your address or direct deposit information, and request a replacement Social Security card. If you are ready to claim retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you can start that process through the same account.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using an email address and a valid ID.
  • The SSA will verify your identity using information from your driver's license, state ID, or passport — you do not need to go to an office.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, estimate your benefit amount, and start a claim for retirement or disability benefits.
  • If you cannot verify online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to create an account in person.
  • The entire process is free and run directly by the Social Security Administration.

Step-by-step: Creating your my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your email address and create a password. The SSA will then ask you to verify your identity using information from your driver's license, state ID, or passport — you upload a photo of the document or answer security questions based on your credit history.

After verification, you will receive a confirmation email. Click the link in that email to complete your account setup. You can then log in anytime to view your Social Security information. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, though identity verification can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

If you have trouble with the online verification, you can create an account by phone instead. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and a representative will help you set up your account and verify your identity over the phone.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings record — the wages and self-employment income the SSA has on file for you. You can check this record to make sure it is correct, because your benefit amount is based on your 35 highest-earning years. If you spot an error, you can request a correction through your account or by contacting the SSA directly.

You can also view an estimate of your retirement benefit at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70), which helps you decide when to claim. The estimate updates each year as you earn more income. If you are disabled or the surviving family member of someone who worked, you can see what you might receive under those programs as well.

Once you decide to claim benefits, you can start your claim through your account. The SSA will ask you questions about your work history, living situation, and family, and you can submit documents (like a birth certificate or marriage certificate) directly through the website. You do not have to print anything or mail it in.

Identity verification: what the SSA accepts

The SSA uses two main ways to verify who you are online. The first is uploading a photo of your driver's license, state ID, or U.S. passport. The system reads the document and checks it against SSA records. This usually works within a few minutes.

If you do not have a photo ID or the upload does not work, the SSA will ask you security questions based on your credit history — things like "which of these addresses did you live at in 2015?" or "which lender issued your auto loan?" You answer five to ten questions, and the system verifies you when ready. If you do not have a credit history or the questions do not match your records, you will need to verify in person or by phone.

Starting a benefits claim through your account

Once you are logged in, you can begin a claim for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. Click "Benefit process" and select which type of benefit you want to claim. The SSA will walk you through a series of questions about your work history, your family, and your living situation.

You will need to upload or describe documents that prove who you are and support your claim — a birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and proof of citizenship or legal residency. You can upload these documents directly through your account, email them, or mail them to your local Social Security office. The SSA will tell you which documents are required for your specific situation.

After you submit your claim, you will receive a confirmation number. You can check the status of your claim anytime by logging into your account. The SSA will contact you if they need more information or documents from you.

What to do if you cannot verify online

If the online verification does not work for you — because you do not have a photo ID, your credit history does not match SSA records, or you straightforward prefer not to verify online — you have two other options. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, and a representative will help you create your account and verify your identity by phone.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a W-2, or a tax return). An employee will create your account and verify your identity on the spot. You can then use that account to manage your benefits online from home.

Keeping your account find

Your my Social Security account holds sensitive information, so the SSA recommends a few security steps. Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password you use for other websites or accounts.

Log out of your account when you are finished, especially if you are using 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. The SSA does not send unsolicited emails asking you to log in or verify your information — if you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security, do not click any links in it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to create an account to claim Social Security benefits?

No. You can claim benefits by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at your local Social Security office. Creating an account online is optional but lets you manage your benefits and check your status anytime without calling or visiting an office.

What if I do not have an email address?

You will need an email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Once you have an email address, you can set up your Social Security account. Alternatively, you can claim benefits by phone or in person without creating an online account.

How long does it take to verify my identity online?

If you upload a photo of your driver's license or passport, verification usually happens within a few minutes. If you answer security questions instead, you will know when ready whether you were verified. In rare cases, verification can take up to 24 hours. If it does not work after one attempt, you can try again or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify by phone.

Can I claim benefits for my spouse or children through my account?

You can start a claim for yourself through your account. Family members (spouse, ex-spouse, or children) must create their own accounts and start their own claims, or they can claim by phone or in person. The SSA will link your claims together once everyone has applied.

What happens after I submit my claim online?

You will receive a confirmation number and can check your claim status anytime by logging into your account. The SSA will review your information and contact you if they need more documents or details. Processing usually takes three to five months, though it can be faster or slower depending on your situation.