Yes, you can create a Social Security account online and handle many tasks without visiting an office

You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and use it to view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, change your address, report a death, and request a replacement Social Security card. You cannot file for benefits entirely online yet — that still requires a phone call or office visit — but you can start the process and complete most of the paperwork from home.

The account takes about 10 minutes to set up if you have a Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. You will need to answer security questions based on your credit history, so the system works best if you have had a credit card, loan, or utility account in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your Social Security number, email, and phone number.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check your estimated benefit amount, and update your address without calling or visiting an office.
  • You cannot file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits entirely online — you must complete the process by phone or in person.
  • If you cannot answer the security questions during account setup, you can request a paper verification code by mail instead.

What you can do in your my Social Security account

Once you log in, you can see your complete earnings history — the record Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. This is worth checking because errors in your work history can lower your benefit. You can also see your estimated retirement benefit at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70), which helps you decide when to start benefits.

You can change your address, phone number, and email without calling. You can request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or stolen. You can report the death of a family member receiving benefits. You can also opt out of receiving paper statements and view your annual Social Security Statement online instead.

If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment history, check the date of your next deposit, and report a change in your circumstances — such as returning to work or a change in income — that might affect your benefits.

How to set up your account step by step

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "my Social Security" link, usually near the top of the page. Click "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. The system will then ask you security questions based on your credit history — questions like "Which bank issued your first credit card?" or "What was the original loan amount on your car?"

If you answer the questions correctly, your account is created when ready and you can log in. If you cannot answer them or do not have enough credit history, you can request a one-time passcode by mail instead. Social Security will mail it to the address on file, and you can use it to verify your identity and create your account. This takes about one to two weeks.

Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime from any computer or phone with internet access. Social Security recommends using a strong, unique password and enabling two-factor authentication for extra security.

What you still need to do by phone or in person

To file for retirement benefits, you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office. The same is true for filing for disability benefits, survivor benefits, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). You can gather your documents and check your information in your online account first, which makes the phone call or office visit faster.

If you need to file urgently — for example, if you are already past your full retirement age and want benefits to start right away — calling is faster than scheduling an office visit. Social Security's phone lines are typically less busy early in the morning or mid-week.

What documents to have ready before you file

Before you call or visit to file for benefits, gather your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency. If you are married or divorced, have your marriage certificate or divorce decree. If you are filing for survivor benefits on behalf of someone else, bring proof of your relationship to the person who died and their death certificate.

You can upload some documents to your my Social Security account before you file, which speeds up the process. Check your account to see which documents Social Security is asking for in your case.

If you cannot create an account online

If you do not have a phone number, email address, or enough credit history to answer the security questions, you can request a paper verification code by mail. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a one-time passcode. You will receive it in about one to two weeks, and you can use it to create your account without answering security questions.

If you do not have internet access at home, you can use a computer at your local library, senior center, or Social Security office. Social Security office staff can also help you create an account in person, though wait times vary by location.

Keeping your account find

Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, birth date, or name in your password. Do not share your password with anyone, including Social Security staff — they will never ask for it.

If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. If you see earnings on your record that you did not earn, report that too — it may indicate identity theft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for benefits entirely online?

No. You can create an account and prepare your information online, but you must complete your benefits process by phone or in person at a Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to file, or visit your local office to make an appointment.

What if I forgot my password?

Click "Forgot your password?" on the my Social Security login page. You will be asked to verify your identity using the same security questions you answered when you created your account. If you cannot answer them, you can request a password reset code by mail.

Can I check my benefits if I do not have an online account?

Yes. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can tell you your estimated benefit amount and answer questions about your earnings record. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Creating an online account is faster if you can do it, but it is not required.

Is my information safe in my Social Security account?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, but no online account is completely risk-free. Use a strong password, do not share it, and log out when you are finished. If you see suspicious activity, change your password and call Social Security right away.

Can someone else access my account if they have my Social Security number?

They would also need your password and the ability to receive codes sent to your phone or email, so having your Social Security number alone is not enough. However, if someone has your Social Security number and other personal information, they may be able to answer your security questions. Monitor your account regularly for unauthorized changes.