How to Create a my Social Security Account

What Is a my Social Security Account?

Before my Social Security was established by the government in 2013, Americans had to visit their local Social Security office in person or call. Now, citizens over the age of 18 can create a free my Social Security account and securely do business online.

This is definitely a time-saver, since you won’t have to wait in line at the Social Security office or on hold during a phone call. Plus, you won’t have to coordinate transportation to the office, since you can log in from the comfort of your home. The my Social Security account allows seniors to take care of Social Security matters anywhere at any time.

All you have to do is create an account and log in to begin accessing services. You can set up a my Social Security account now whether you’re eligible for benefits or will be in the future. The interactive tools allow you to safely access your personal record and manage your benefits.

What You Can Do with a my Social Security Account

Is It Safe to Create a Social Security Account Online?

Exchanging sensitive information online can be anxiety-inducing! You may be thinking:

What if my personal information is stolen?
How do I know if my information is truly secure?
What if I get locked out of my account and can’t remember my password?
What if someone imitates me and accesses my account?

Those are all valid questions. You can never be too careful online, and we're passionate about protecting seniors from scams and identity theft.

To ease your concerns, the Social Security Administration outlines the security and protection procedures they take to keep your information safe and out of the hands of scammers. When setting up your my Social Security account, you’ll be asked a series of security questions to verify your identity. That means no one can create an account using your information or access your existing account.

Once your account is set up, the site has a two-step login process to keep you safe. You’ll enter your username and password and a security code that they send to you via text message or email (your choice). This double security login is impressive!

Since only one account is tied to each Social Security number, it's imperative to set up your account early. Plus, you can look at your benefit estimates to assist you in planning for the future.

How to Set Up Your my Social Security Account Online

Securely setting up your my Social Security account can be completed in a few simple steps. Before you get started, here is what you’ll need on hand to set up your account:

• Your Social Security number
• A valid U.S. mailing address
• An email address

There are a few ways to create a my Social Security account. Each method starts with the two steps below. After you’ve completed these two steps, you can create an account using either Login.gov or ID.me. We will explain the steps for both options.

1. Open your web browser and type “ssa.gov/myaccount/” in the URL bar.
   

   Type in the URL to access my Social Security

2. Next, click “Create an Account.”
   

   Click Create an Account on the my Social Security home page

Option 1: Creating an Account Through Login.gov

3. After completing steps one and two, scroll down and click “Create an account” or “Sign in with Login.gov.” It doesn’t matter which you click, because they will both take you to the same page.
   

   Making an account through Login

4. You will then be directed to Login.gov, a safe and secure government website the SSA uses. If you already have a Login.gov account, then sign in. If you don’t, then scroll down and click “Create an account.”
   

   Click Create an account at Login

5. Enter your email address, select your language preference, accept the Login.gov rules of use, and click “Submit.”
   

   Creating your Login.gov account

6. Once your account is created, you’ll return to the my Social Security website to finish creating your account.

Option 2: Creating an Account Through ID.me

You can also set up your my Social Security account by creating an ID.me account or signing in if you already have one.

3. After completing steps one and two, click “Sign in with ID.me.”
   

   Creating an account with ID.me

4. You will see an alert letting you know you are leaving the Social Security’s website. ID.me isn’t a government website like Login.gov. It is a website that provides identity proofing and authentication, which means your information will still be kept safe and confidential. If you are okay with this, then click “OK.”
   

   Enter your information

5. If you already have an ID.me account, then sign in. If you don’t, then click “Create an ID.me account.”
   

   Select Create an ID.me account

6. Enter your email address, create a password, and check the box to accept ID.me’s terms of service. Then click “Create an ID.me account.”
   

   Select OK

7. Once your account is created, you will be directed back to the my Social Security webpage to finish setting up your account.

Congratulations, you have now completed the setup process for your my Social Security account!