What you need to create a My Social Security account
A My Social Security account is an online portal where you can view your Social Security earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage certain account details without visiting an office. You create it directly on the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov — not through a third-party site.
To set up an account, you will need a valid email address and a way to verify your identity. Social Security uses a verification process that asks you questions about your personal history (like previous addresses or loan accounts) to confirm you are who you say you are. This usually takes a few minutes.
You do not need to be receiving benefits yet to create an account. You can set one up whether you are working, retired, or in the process of explore for any Social Security benefit.
Key Takeaways
- You create a My Social Security account on ssa.gov by providing your email, Social Security number, and date of birth, then answering identity verification questions.
- The verification step usually takes a few minutes and asks about your personal history — it is not a phone call or in-person visit.
- Once your account is active, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and update your direct deposit information.
- If you cannot verify your identity online, Social Security offers in-person verification at local offices, though wait times vary by location.
Step-by-step: Creating your account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button, usually on the homepage or under a "My Social Security" section. Click it and enter your email address. Social Security will send you a confirmation link — check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to continue.
Next, you will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and create a password. Your password should be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe or use a password manager.
After that comes the identity verification step. Social Security will ask you a series of questions based on information in their records — things like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these loan companies have you borrowed from?" You answer based on your actual history. If you answer correctly, your account is verified when ready and you can log in right away.
What happens if you cannot verify online
If the online verification questions do not match your records — perhaps because your information has changed or because Social Security's records are incomplete — the system will tell you that you cannot verify at that time. This does not mean you cannot create an account; it means you need to verify in person.
You can visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return). An employee will verify your identity and set up your online account on the spot. Call 1-800-772-1213 to find your nearest office and ask about wait times, or check ssa.gov for office locations.
Some people find that waiting a few weeks and trying the online verification again works — Social Security's records sometimes update and the questions may match better the second time. There is no penalty for trying multiple times.
What you can do once your account is active
Once you are logged in, you can view your Social Security earnings record — a year-by-year breakdown of the wages you have earned and the taxes you have paid into Social Security. This is important to check because your benefit amount is based on this record, and errors can lower your future benefits.
You can also see your benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at different ages (62, full retirement age, or 70). This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you continue working until the age you choose to claim.
If you are already receiving benefits, you can update your direct deposit information, change your address, and view your benefit payment history. You cannot file a new benefit claim through the online account — that still requires a phone call or in-person visit — but you can start the process and save time when you contact Social Security.
Protecting your account after you create it
Your My Social Security account contains sensitive information, so treat your password the way you would treat a bank password. Do not share it with anyone, including Social Security employees (they will never ask for it). Do not use the same password you use for other websites.
If you suspect someone has accessed your account, log in and change your password when ready. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the issue. Social Security can place a note on your account and help you monitor for fraud.
Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to "verify your account" or "update your information." These are usually scams. Social Security will not contact you by email or text asking for your password or personal details. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links — instead, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" on the login page. Social Security will send you a reset link to your email. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, you will need to create a new account with a different email address or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
If you enter your information but the system says it cannot find your record, double-check that you have entered your Social Security number correctly (no dashes, just the nine digits). If it is correct and the system still cannot find you, call Social Security — this sometimes happens if your name or Social Security number was recently changed or if there is a discrepancy in their records.
If the identity verification questions seem wrong or you do not recognize any of the answer choices, you likely need to verify in person at a local office. This is not a reflection on you — it just means your information in Social Security's system does not match the verification database they use online.
Why you might want a My Social Security account
Having an account saves you time. Instead of calling 1-800-772-1213 (which often has long wait times) or visiting an office in person, you can check your earnings record and benefit estimate whenever you want, 24 hours a day. You can also update your direct deposit or address without making a phone call.
If you are planning to claim benefits in the future, creating an account now lets you review your earnings record and catch any errors before you file. Errors on your record — like missing years of earnings or wages credited to the wrong year — can reduce your benefit amount permanently. Fixing them before you claim is much easier than fixing them after.
For people receiving SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), an account also lets you track your work incentives and see how your earnings might affect your benefits if you return to work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a My Social Security account to file for SSDI?
No. You can file for SSDI by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office without having an online account. However, creating an account beforehand lets you review your earnings record to make sure it is accurate before you file, which can help your case.
Can I create an account if I do not have a Social Security number yet?
No. You need an active Social Security number to create a My Social Security account. If you have recently been assigned a number and the system says it cannot find your record, wait a few days for Social Security's database to update, then try again.
What if I created an account but never verified it?
If you created an account but did not complete the identity verification step, you can log back in with your email and password and finish verifying. The system will ask the same questions it asked before. If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot password?" link.
Is My Social Security the same as my state SDI account?
No. My Social Security is a federal account managed by the Social Security Administration and covers Social Security benefits (retirement, disability, survivor benefits). California SDI (State Disability Insurance) is a separate state program with its own online portal. You may need accounts for both if you are receiving or have received benefits from each program.
Can I file for SSDI through My Social Security?
You cannot complete a full SSDI process online through My Social Security, but you can start the process. Log in, go to "Benefits," and select "Disability." Social Security will ask you some initial questions and then schedule you for a phone interview or direct you to your local office to finish the process.