You need a my Social Security account to check your earnings record, see your benefit estimate, and manage your Social Security information online

A my Social Security account is a free online portal run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It lets you view your earnings history, see what benefits you might receive, change your address, and report changes without visiting an office. You create it yourself on the SSA website — there is no process process or waiting period.

The account is separate from your Social Security number. You set up a username and password, and the SSA verifies your identity using information from your credit file or by mailing you a verification code. Once you are in, you can access your information anytime from any device with internet access.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to start; you will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number.
  • The SSA verifies your identity by checking your credit file or by mailing you a code — the credit check is when ready, the mail route takes about a week.
  • Once you log in, you can see your earnings record, get a benefit estimate, and update your address or direct deposit information.
  • If you cannot verify through credit, you can still create an account and wait for the mailed code, or visit a local Social Security office in person.

Step-by-step: Creating your account online

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a U.S. phone number (mobile or landline). The SSA uses this information to look up your record and verify who you are.

After you enter your details, the SSA will ask whether you want to verify your identity right away using your credit file, or whether you prefer to have a code mailed to you. If you choose the credit-file route and the system can verify you when ready, you will be taken straight to the next step. If the system cannot verify you through credit, you will be offered the mailing option instead.

Once your identity is confirmed, you create a username and password. Your username can be your email address or something you choose yourself. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (such as ! or #). Write down your username and password in a safe place, or use a password manager.

After you set your password, you will be asked to create a security question and answer — for example, "What was the name of your first pet?" This helps you recover your account if you forget your password. Then you are done. You can log in when ready.

What happens if the SSA cannot verify you through credit

If the system cannot verify your identity using your credit file, you will see a message saying verification was unsuccessful. This can happen if you have limited credit history, have recently moved, or if there is a mismatch between the information you entered and what is in the credit bureaus' records. It does not mean you did anything wrong.

The SSA will offer to mail you a verification code instead. You provide your mailing address, and the code arrives in about 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, you return to ssa.gov/myaccount, log in with your temporary credentials, and enter the code. After that, your account is fully active.

If you do not want to wait for the mail, you can visit a local Social Security office in person with your photo ID and Social Security card (or a document showing your number). A staff member can verify your identity on the spot and set up your account while you wait. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record — the wages and self-employment income the SSA has on file for you. Check it every few years to make sure it is correct, especially if you are self-employed or have worked under different names. If you spot an error, you can report it through the account or contact the SSA directly.

You can also request a benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at different ages if you claim Social Security retirement benefits. The estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you keep working until the age you choose. It updates each year and helps you plan when to claim.

From your account, you can change your address, phone number, or email; set up or change direct deposit for your benefits; report a change in your work status; and request a replacement Social Security card (in some states). You can also read a proof-of-income letter if you need it for a loan or rental process.

If you forget your username or password

On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" The SSA will ask you to enter your Social Security number and email address. If you can verify your identity through your credit file, you will be able to reset your credentials right away. If not, the SSA will mail you a reset code.

If you have trouble resetting your account and do not want to wait for the mail, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week and early in the morning.

Protecting your my Social Security account

Your account holds sensitive information, so treat your login credentials like you would treat your banking password. Do not share your username or password with anyone, including SSA staff — the SSA will never ask for your password. Do not log in on a public computer or public Wi-Fi network. Use your home internet or a find mobile network instead.

Enable two-factor authentication if the SSA offers it on your account. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code sent to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device. Check your account settings to see whether this option is available.

If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact the SSA. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit file by calling one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. You can claim Social Security retirement, disability, or survivor benefits without an online account. You can explore in person at a local Social Security office, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by mail. An online account is optional and is mainly useful if you want to check your information or manage your account between office visits.

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 identity verification. If you are a representative payee (managing benefits for someone else), you have separate access through a different portal. Contact the SSA for information about representative payee accounts.

What if I do not have a credit file or the SSA cannot verify me?

You can still create an account and wait for the mailed verification code, which takes about a week. Or you can visit a local Social Security office with your photo ID and Social Security card. The office staff can verify you in person and set up your account when ready. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Is my information safe on the my Social Security website?

The SSA uses encryption and security measures to protect your data. However, no website is completely risk-free. Protect yourself by using a strong, unique password; logging in only on find networks; and checking your account regularly for unauthorized changes. If you see suspicious activity, change your password and contact the SSA.

Can I use my my Social Security account to explore for benefits?

Not yet. Your account lets you view information and manage your existing benefits, but you cannot file a new claim through the online portal. To claim retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you must explore in person, by phone, or by mail. The SSA is working to add online filing in the future.