How to Set Up and Use a My Social Security Account

Login.gov is a federally operated site that provides secure sign-up and sign-in services for participating government agencies. ID.me is a private company that provides similar services to the government and other clients. You can choose either, except in certain circumstances — for example, if you live outside the U.S. or do not have a Social Security number, you can only create an account with ID.me. The SSA has a video about the two platforms with more information on which might be the best fit for you.

2. Create your log-in. You’ll be asked to enter your email address and set up a password — 12 characters for Login.gov and eight characters for ID.me.

3. Secure your account. Select the multifactor authentication method you want the SSA to use to verify you’re you when you sign in to your account, such as creating a security key or receiving a one-time security code by text or email each time you log in.

4. Verify your identity. Both verification platforms will ask you to upload a picture of a photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s license or state-issued ID card. If you are using Login.gov, the next step is to take a selfie photo; ID.me will ask you to make a selfie video or dial into a video call. They will match the photo or video image to the photo from your ID and match the address associated with your Social Security number to the address on your ID. The only thing left at this point is to read and accept the terms of service for your account.

Congratulations! You have successfully created your My Social Security account. From now on, you’ll be able to log into your account from any device using the secure sign-in service you selected — Login.gov or ID.me.

What you can do with a My Social Security account

My Social Security is the primary way you can keep track of your retirement or disability benefits (especially since the SSA has largely stopped sending out paper benefit statements) and the most efficient way to access basic Social Security services and information.

About 103 million people had established My Social Security accounts as of mid-2026, according to the SSA. You can use your account 24/7 to:

• Review your Social Security statement, which details your earnings history, Social Security tax payments, and, if you haven’t started Social Security yet, estimates of your future retirement benefits depending on your age when you claim them.
• Get estimates of survivor benefits your spouse and children could receive in the event of your death and of your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payment if a medical condition forces you to stop working.
• Apply for benefits by clicking through to the SSA website’s claim form.
• Set up or change direct deposit of your Social Security payment.
• Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states).
• Request a replacement Medicare card (nationwide).
• Change your address or phone number on file with the SSA.
• Request a benefit verification letter, which you can use as proof of income when applying for a loan or mortgage or for government assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or housing vouchers.
• Request a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, the forms Social Security mails to beneficiaries in January for tax purposes that summarize benefits for the previous year.
• Check the status of a pending claim or an appeal of a disability benefits decision, including verifying a scheduled hearing date and time.
• Report wages if you work and receive SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Receive notices about your benefits online (instead of by mail) and get email or text alerts when you have a notice available.

Protecting your benefits from swindlers

If you haven’t created your account, scammers who obtain your Social Security number and address through phishing, data breaches or other means may be able to go online and set one up in your name.

The threat grows once you reach age 62, the earliest you can apply for retirement benefits. Thieves could start collecting monthly payments in your name, and you might not find out about it until years later when you apply for Social Security. Only one My Social Security account is permitted per Social Security number, so establishing yours early is key.

Scammers can still cause harm if they gain access to your account — for example, by changing your bank information to divert benefit payments. Don’t share account credentials or multifactor authentication codes, and if you’re using a device other than your own, be sure to log out of your account when you’re done.

If you suspect you have been the victim of identity theft, report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General or visit the Federal Trade Commission’s IdentityTheft.gov information site.