You can create a Social Security account using your own username and password instead of ID.me

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main ways to log into your account on ssa.gov. The first uses ID.me, a third-party identity verification service. The second creates what SSA calls a direct account — you set your own username and password, and SSA verifies your identity using information from your Social Security record instead of a separate ID.me process. Both routes lead to the same online services: checking your earnings record, viewing your benefit statement, and managing your account.

The direct account method takes longer upfront because SSA mails you a verification code, but once it is set up, you log in the same way every time. This guide walks you through creating and using a direct account, and explains what to do if you run into problems along the way.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a direct Social Security account by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount, entering your name and Social Security number, and setting your own username and password.
  • SSA will mail you a verification code to the address on file with your Social Security record; you enter this code to complete setup, which usually takes 5 to 7 business days.
  • If your mailing address is wrong or you do not receive the code, you can request a replacement code or update your address before starting the account creation process.
  • Once your direct account is active, you log in with your username and password — no ID.me or third-party service is involved.
  • If you cannot receive mail or need when ready access, calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213 is the only way to explore other options.

Steps to Create a Direct Social Security Account

Start by going to ssa.gov/myaccount in any web browser. Click the button that says "Create an account" or "Sign up." You will see two options: one for ID.me and one for creating a direct account. Select the direct account option — it may be labeled "Create a my Social Security account" or "Create account without ID.me," depending on when SSA updated the page.

Enter your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number exactly as they appear on your Social Security card or in SSA records. Then create a username and password. Your username must be between 8 and 20 characters; your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (such as ! or @). Write these down somewhere safe — you will need them every time you log in.

After you submit this information, SSA will display a message saying a verification code is on the way. The code arrives by mail to the address SSA has for you. This usually takes 5 to 7 business days, though it can take longer during holidays or if your address needs correction. Do not close your browser or navigate away from the page until you see this confirmation.

Receiving and Entering Your Verification Code

When the envelope arrives, it will come from the Social Security Administration and contain a single-use code. Open it and note the code — you will need it within 30 days of receiving it. If you do not receive the code within 10 business days, log back into ssa.gov/myaccount, select "I did not receive my code," and request a replacement. SSA will mail another one.

Go back to ssa.gov/myaccount and log in with the username and password you created. The system will ask you to enter the verification code from the letter. Type it in exactly as printed, including any hyphens or spaces. Once you submit the code, your account is active and you can log in anytime using your username and password.

If your code expires (30 days after it was mailed) before you use it, you will need to request a new one. The process is the same: log in, select the option to request a replacement code, and wait for the new letter to arrive.

What to Do If Your Mailing Address Is Wrong

If you have moved recently and SSA still has your old address on file, the verification code will go to the wrong place. Before you start creating your account, you can update your address by calling SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready, and be prepared to answer questions to verify your identity — typically your date of birth, mother's maiden name, and recent work history.

Once your address is corrected in SSA's system, start the account creation process again. The new verification code will be mailed to your current address. This adds time to the overall process, so update your address as soon as you know it has changed.

If you realize your address is wrong after you have already requested the verification code, call SSA when ready. Explain that you created an account and the code was mailed to an old address. SSA can sometimes intercept the letter or issue a replacement code to your new address right away, though this is not may provide.

Logging In and Using Your Account

Once your account is active, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password. You will see your Social Security dashboard, which shows your earnings record, estimated benefit amounts, and any messages from SSA. You can also print a benefit verification letter, change your password, or update your phone number and email address from this page.

Your login information is personal — do not share your username or password with anyone, including family members or people claiming to work for SSA. SSA employees will never ask for your password over the phone or by email. If someone contacts you claiming to need this information, hang up or delete the message and report it to the Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

If you forget your username or password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" You will answer security questions to verify your identity, and SSA will either show you your username or send a password reset link to your email address.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

If the system says your name, date of birth, or Social Security number does not match SSA records, double-check that you entered them exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Spaces, hyphens, and middle initials must match. If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal action, you may need to update it with SSA first. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask how to file a name change.

If you never receive the verification code after 10 business days, request a replacement through ssa.gov/myaccount. If replacements also do not arrive, your mailing address may still be incorrect. Call SSA to confirm your address is right, then request the code again. If you live outside the United States, mail delivery is slower — allow up to 4 weeks.

If you cannot receive mail at all — because you are homeless, living in a shelter, or in a situation where mail delivery is not possible — call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Explain your situation. SSA cannot create a direct account without a mailing address, but staff can discuss whether ID.me is an option for you or whether other arrangements are possible.

When to Use ID.me Instead

ID.me is faster if you have a state-issued ID or passport and a smartphone or computer with a camera. The ID.me process can be completed in minutes, whereas the direct account method takes at least 5 to 7 days. If you need to access your Social Security information urgently, ID.me may be the better choice.

ID.me does require you to verify your identity using a government-issued ID and sometimes a video call with an ID.me representative. If you do not have a current ID, do not have a camera, or prefer not to use a third-party service, the direct account method is your alternative.

Both methods are free. Neither one charges you money or requires you to read anything to your computer. If someone asks you to pay to create a Social Security account, that is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my direct account on my phone?

Yes. ssa.gov works on phones and tablets. Log in with your username and password the same way you would on a computer. SSA also has a mobile app called "my Social Security," which you can read from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. You log in with the same username and password.

What if I created an ID.me account and now want to switch to a direct account?

You can create a separate direct account by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and selecting the direct account option. You will use a different username and password than your ID.me account. Both accounts can exist at the same time, but you will need to log in separately to each one.

How long does my verification code stay valid?

Your code is valid for 30 days from the date SSA mailed it. The letter will show the expiration date. If your code expires, you can request a new one by logging into ssa.gov/myaccount and selecting the option to request a replacement code.

Can someone else create an account for me?

No. Only you can create your own account. If you need help, you can call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for information, but you must provide your own information and set your own username and password. Be cautious of anyone offering to create an account for you — that is a common scam.

What if I do not have a computer or internet access?

Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You can speak with a representative who can help you over the phone. They cannot create an online account for you, but they can answer questions about your benefits and provide information you would normally find online.