My Social Security Account: Complete 2026 Setup and Login Guide
A my Social Security account is a free online account at ssa.gov that lets you check your earnings record, get a personalized benefit estimate, request a replacement card, manage direct deposit, and apply for retirement, disability, or Medicare benefits. As of 2026, you can only create or access this account using Login.gov or ID.me — the SSA retired its old username-and-password system in June 2025.
Quick Answer
To create a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and choose to sign in with either Login.gov or ID.me. Both require identity verification using a photo ID, your Social Security number, and a selfie or photo of your ID — a one-time process that typically takes 5 to 20 minutes. Once verified, that same Login.gov or ID.me credential works for future logins.
How Do You Create a my Social Security Account?
Creating a my Social Security account starts at ssa.gov/myaccount, where you'll choose between two credential service providers: Login.gov or ID.me. Neither service is run by the SSA directly — both are third-party identity verification providers the federal government uses across multiple agencies, not just Social Security.
Source: SSA — Creating an Account
| Sign-In Option | Best For | What You'll Need |
|---|---|---|
| Login.gov | Most first-time users; the SSA recommends starting here if unsure | Email, phone number, government-issued photo ID |
| ID.me | People who already have an ID.me account, or whose identity can't be verified through Login.gov (e.g., recent moves, thin credit file, military addresses) | Photo ID, selfie, Social Security number or ITIN |
Source: SSA — Creating an Account and SSA — Account FAQs & Help
If you already have a Login.gov account from another government service — such as the IRS or the VA — you can use that same login to access your my Social Security account without creating a new one.
What Changed With Social Security Login in 2025?
Effective June 7, 2025, the SSA eliminated the option to sign in with a traditional Social Security-issued username and password. Login.gov and ID.me are now the only two ways to access any my Social Security online service. If you set up your account before that date using the old system, you'll need to create a Login.gov or ID.me credential to continue accessing your account.
Source: SSA — Account FAQs & Help
This change was made for identity security reasons, not to make the process harder on purpose — but it does mean the verification step now takes longer than the old system did, since it involves actual photo ID matching rather than just a password.
What Can You Actually Do With a my Social Security Account?
Once your account is verified, it unlocks most of the SSA's core online services in one place, removing the need to call or visit a field office for many routine tasks.
- View your Social Security Statement, including your full earnings history and personalized benefit estimates at different claiming ages.
- Apply for retirement, spousal, or Medicare benefits online.
- Check the status of a pending application for retirement or disability benefits.
- Request a replacement Social Security card, in states where online replacement is available.
- Get a benefit verification letter for loans, housing, or other official purposes.
- Download your SSA-1099 for tax filing purposes.
- Update direct deposit information or your mailing address.
- Submit certain appeals, though some appeal types still require paper forms or an in-person visit.
To see how the earnings history in your account translates into an actual monthly dollar figure, you can run your numbers through our Benefits Estimator alongside your official Statement.
What If You Have Trouble Creating or Accessing Your Account?
Identity verification through Login.gov or ID.me can fail for reasonable people for reasonable causes — a recent move that hasn't updated your credit file yet, a name change, or simply a photo ID that doesn't scan clearly. If this happens, each provider has its own support channel: Login.gov support through the Login.gov Help Center, and ID.me support through the ID.me Help Center.
Source: SSA — How Do I Create or Get Help With a Personal my Social Security Account?
If online verification still doesn't work after trying both providers, the SSA allows you to call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the "help desk," available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. As a last resort, you can visit a local field office in person — you can find your nearest one using our Office Locator.
Do You Need a my Social Security Account If You Have a Foreign Address?
Yes, you can still create one. If you have an international mailing address, many of the SSA's online services can now be accessed using an ID.me credential specifically — the SSA notes this option on its dedicated page for services around the world for people living outside the United States.
Source: SSA — Create an Account
How Do You Know If a my Social Security Email Is Real?
Because Social Security accounts are a common phishing target, it's worth knowing the SSA's own official email addresses: no-reply@ssa.gov, subscription.service@subscriptions.ssa.gov, Thank.You@ssa.gov, DoNotReply@ssa.gov, and Information@update.ssa.gov, among a small number of others. Any legitimate link inside an official SSA email should point to a ".gov" web address — never trust a Social Security-related email that asks you to log in through a non-.gov link.
Source: SSA — Security and Protection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still log in to my Social Security account with my old username and password?
No. As of June 7, 2025, the SSA removed the option to sign in with a traditional Social Security username and password. You must now use Login.gov or ID.me to access your account, even if you created it before that date.
Source: SSA — Account FAQs & Help
Is Login.gov or ID.me better for my Social Security account?
The SSA suggests starting with Login.gov if you're unsure, since it works for most people. ID.me may work better in specific situations, such as if you already have an ID.me account from a previous federal service, or if Login.gov's verification process can't confirm your identity due to a recent move or limited credit history.
How long does it take to verify your identity for a my Social Security account?
The one-time identity verification process with Login.gov or ID.me typically takes between 5 and 20 minutes, according to the SSA, assuming you have a valid photo ID and can complete the photo or selfie verification step without issues.
Source: SSA — Creating an Account
Can I apply for Social Security disability through my Social Security account?
Yes. You can start and track an SSDI application through your my Social Security account, including uploading supporting medical and work history documents and saving your progress to finish later. The disability application is also available separately at ssa.gov/applyfordisability without requiring you to log in first.
What should I do if I can't verify my identity online?
If both Login.gov and ID.me fail to verify your identity, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask for the help desk, available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. If phone support doesn't resolve it, visiting your local Social Security field office in person is the final option.
Once your account is set up, our guide to checking your exact benefit amount walks through how to read your Social Security Statement once you're logged in.