How do I go to ssa.gov?

Open your web browser and type ssa.gov in the address bar. Look for the "Sign in / Up" or "my Social Security" button near the top of the page and click it.

How do I click create an account?

You will be directed to create a Login.gov account. This is the federal government's secure login system. Enter your email address and choose a strong password.

How do I verify your email?

Check your email for a message from Login.gov. Click the verification link in the email to confirm your address. If you do not see it, check your spam or junk folder.

How do I set up two-factor authentication?

Login.gov will ask you to set up a second way to verify your identity — choose text message or phone call. Enter your phone number and type in the code they send you.

How do I verify your identity?

Enter your Social Security number, answer security questions about your credit history, and if asked, upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID. This step may take a few minutes.

How do I access your social security dashboard?

Once verified, you can now sign in to my Social Security anytime. View your earnings history, estimated benefits, and manage your account from the main dashboard.

TekSure — Free Tech Help for Beginners & Seniors

Your Social Security account is one of the most important government accounts you can have online. It lets you view your Social Security statement, check your estimated future benefits, request a replacement Social Security card, and manage your payments if you are already receiving benefits — all without making a phone call or visiting an office.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a free online account at ssa.gov. Setting it up takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and you will need to verify your identity. Here is what you need before you start: your Social Security number, a valid email address, a U.S. mailing address, and a phone number that can receive text messages or calls.

To get started, open your web browser and go to ssa.gov. Look for the button that says "Sign in / Up" or "my Social Security" near the top of the page. Click "Create an Account." You will be asked to create a Login.gov account first — this is the government's secure login system used across many federal websites. You will enter your email address, create a strong password, and then verify your identity.

The identity verification step is the most involved part. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number, answer security questions based on your credit history, and verify your phone number. In some cases, you may need to upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID. This is all to make sure no one else can access your account.

Once your identity is verified, you can sign in to my Social Security anytime. From your dashboard, you can view your full earnings history (every job that reported wages to Social Security), see your estimated retirement benefits at different ages (62, 67, and 70), check the status of any pending applications, and update your mailing address or direct deposit information if you are already receiving benefits.

If you are age 60 or older and have not created this account yet, do it soon. Scammers sometimes try to create accounts using other people's Social Security numbers. By creating your own account first, you lock out anyone else from doing so.