How to Create Your Social Security Online Account

Last updated 2 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Your Secure Gateway to Social Security Services

Managing your Social Security information and benefits is easy with the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) free, secure online portal called ‘my Social Security’. This portal is accessible through the official SSA website.

Creating an account provides immediate access to your personal Social Security Statement, helps you estimate future benefits based on your actual earnings record, and lets you manage current benefits if you’re already receiving them. You can also request replacement documents like your Social Security card (in most states) or Medicare card, check application status, and update your contact information online.

The SSA is making more forms available online, allowing for quicker and easier submission directly through your account. This shift to online self-service gives you direct access to your information and streamlines interactions with the agency.

The process uses robust security measures to protect your sensitive information, including partnerships with trusted identity verification services. Always verify you’re on the correct site by checking for .gov in the web address and a secure connection (https:// or a lock icon 🔒).

What You Need Before You Start

Before starting the registration process, make sure you meet these requirements:

Eligibility Requirements

• At least 18 years old
• Valid U.S. Social Security number
• Working email address
• U.S. mailing address (If you have a foreign address, you must use ID.me)

Information to Gather

• Your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Current U.S. mailing address (business addresses are not accepted)
• Reliable phone number (cell phone preferred for verification codes)

Documents Potentially Needed During Verification

The identity verification step may require:

• Photo ID: Be prepared to upload images of a valid government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport
• Financial Information: The system might ask questions based on your personal financial history, such as:
  • Last 8 digits of a credit card
  • Information from a W-2 tax form
  • Information from a 1040 Schedule SE tax form
  • Your current Social Security benefit amount, if applicable
• Selfie Photo or Video: You might need to take a photo of yourself or participate in a brief video call with a verification agent

Important Note on Credit Freezes & Fraud Alerts

Security freezes or fraud alerts on your credit report can interfere with the verification process. If you have these in place, consider:

• Temporarily lifting the freeze/alert with the relevant credit bureau(s)
• Using ID.me for verification (may bypass issues caused by credit freezes)
• Contacting your local Social Security office for assistance

Start at the Official Source – SSA.gov

The first crucial step is ensuring you’re using the legitimate Social Security Administration website.

1. Go directly to the portal: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/
2. Verify the website’s authenticity:
   • Look for https:// at the beginning
   • Ensure the address ends in .gov
   • Check for a lock icon (🔒) in the address bar
3. Find and click the “Create an Account” button

Choose Your Secure Sign-In Partner

The SSA uses external partners called Credential Service Providers (CSPs) to manage the login process and handle identity verification. After clicking “Create an Account,” you’ll choose between:

Login.gov

• Designed for access to various U.S. government agencies using a single set of credentials
• Can link existing Login.gov accounts (like those for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck)
• Visit Login.gov

ID.me

• A single sign-on provider meeting federal requirements for online identity verification
• Used by various government agencies and commercial entities
• Required if you live outside the U.S. with a foreign mailing address
• Visit ID.me

Note for Older Accounts

If you created a ‘my Social Security’ account before September 18, 2021, you must transition to using Login.gov or ID.me. The SSA provides step-by-step video instructions for this process.

Creating Your Account with Login.gov

If you choose Login.gov:

1. Select “Sign in with Login.gov” on the SSA page
2. On the Login.gov site:
   • Click “Create an account”
   • Enter your email address and preferred language
   • Verify your email through the confirmation link
   • Create a strong password (at least 12 characters recommended)
3. Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   • Text message (SMS)
   • Phone call (works with landlines)
   • Authentication app (Google Authenticator, Authy)
   • Security key (YubiKey)
   • Backup codes
   • Federal employee/military card
   • Device biometrics
4. Return to SSA after completing Login.gov setup
5. Complete SSA’s identity verification process
6. If required, receive and enter an SSA Activation Code (may arrive by mail, text, or phone)
7. Agree to SSA Terms of Service
8. Access your account dashboard

Creating Your Account with ID.me

If you select ID.me:

1. Choose “Sign in with ID.me” on the SSA page
2. On the ID.me site:
   • Create a new account or sign in to an existing one
   • Set up your email, password, and MFA
3. Complete ID.me’s verification process:
   • Self-service: Upload photos of identity documents and take a video selfie
   • Video call: Connect with an ID.me agent who will verify your identity
4. Consent to share your verified information with the SSA
5. Return to the SSA website
6. Agree to Terms of Service
7. Access your account dashboard

The Identity Verification Process

Identity verification protects your sensitive information and prevents fraud. The SSA takes this step seriously to ensure only you can access your Social Security details and benefits.

Why Verification Is Necessary

Strong identity verification prevents identity theft and fraud. Bad actors frequently try to use stolen personal information to impersonate individuals and steal benefits. Simple knowledge-based questions are no longer sufficient protection.

Information Required During Verification

• Core personal data (name, DOB, SSN, address, phone)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Photo/video of yourself
• Phone number verification
• Address verification
• Possibly knowledge-based verification questions

About Credit Inquiries

If the system uses knowledge-based questions, the identity service provider performs a “soft inquiry” on your credit report. These inquiries:

• Do NOT affect your credit score
• Are only visible to you, not lenders
• Remain on your report for about 25 months
• Are solely for identity verification

If Verification Fails

• Retry with correct information and clear photos
• Try the other provider (Login.gov or ID.me)
• Verify in person at a local SSA office or participating USPS location (for Login.gov)

Features and Benefits of Your Account

Once logged in, you’ll see your personalized dashboard. Available features depend on whether you’re receiving benefits or enrolled in Medicare.

‘my Social Security’ Account Features

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Login Problems

• Use “Forgot Password?” or “Forgot Username?” links
• For MFA issues, contact the specific provider:
  • Login.gov Help Center
  • ID.me Help Center

Identity Verification Failed

• Retry with correct information
• Try the other provider
• Verify in person if online verification continues to fail

Activation Code Issues

• Check spam folder or verify correct phone number
• Codes sent electronically expire quickly (around 10 minutes)
• Contact SSA Help Desk if problems persist

Browser Problems

• Update your browser
• Clear cache and cookies
• Try incognito/private browsing
• Enable JavaScript in browser settings

Credit Freeze Issues

• Temporarily lift the freeze/alert
• Try ID.me instead
• Contact your local SSA office

Service Availability

SSA’s online services are available during these hours (Eastern Time):

• Monday-Friday: 4:15 AM – 1:00 AM
• Saturday: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Where to Get Help

For Login.gov Account Issues

• Login.gov Help Center

For ID.me Account Issues

• ID.me Help Center

For SSA-Specific Issues

• General FAQs
• Account Creation Info
• Account Transition FAQs
• SSA National Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Find your local SSA office

Security Best Practices

Strong Credentials

• Create unique, complex passwords
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
• Securely store backup codes

Beware of Phishing and Scams

• Verify official communication channels
• Check that emails come from .gov addresses
• Be suspicious of urgent demands for personal information
• Report suspicious emails to [email protected]
• Report suspected fraud to the SSA Office of the Inspector General

Account Exclusivity

• Your account is for your personal use only
• Never share credentials with anyone
• Never create or use an account for another person
• Unauthorized use may result in criminal or civil penalties

Additional Security Measures

• Keep software updated
• Monitor your account regularly
• Report any suspicious activity immediately

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.