How Do I Set Up My Social Security Account Online?

What this helps with: Making your own free my Social Security account on the official website, and choosing to get your letters online.

This guide shows how to use the website. It doesn’t give advice about your benefits. For questions about your benefits, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

Why now

• Social Security sends a yearly letter, called the COLA notice, that shows your new benefit amount for next year.
• With an account, you can read it online starting in late November. That can be up to three weeks before the paper copy.
• Don’t have an account yet? Create one and turn on paperless notices by November 18 to see this year’s letter online. If you don’t, it comes by mail in December.

Before you start

• You must be 18 or older.
• Set aside 5 to 20 minutes. You only have to prove who you are once.
• Have these ready:
  • Your own email address. Don’t share it with a spouse or anyone else.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • A photo ID, like a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
  • A phone. A cell phone is easiest, but a home phone can work too.
• Do it yourself. Social Security says no one else can make or use your account for you, even if you give them permission.
• Use a computer, tablet, or phone with Chrome, Edge, or Safari.

Step 1: Go to the real website

1. Open your web browser and type the address yourself: ssa.gov/myaccount
   • Don’t search for it, and don’t use a link from a text or email.
2. Check the address bar. A real Social Security page starts with https://www.ssa.gov/ or https://secure.ssa.gov/.

Step 2: Pick how you’ll sign in

Social Security uses a sign-in partner to check who you are. You only need one.

• Login.gov: Best for most people in the U.S. You’ll need an email, a photo ID, and a phone number.
• ID.me: Also fine, and it works if you live outside the U.S. You’ll need an email, a photo ID, and a device with a camera.
• Not sure? Social Security says to pick Login.gov.
• Already have one of these from another government website? Use it. You don’t need a new one.

Step 3: Prove who you are

1. On the Social Security page, tap the button to create an account with Login.gov (or ID.me).
   • What you’ll see: You’ll move to the Login.gov or ID.me website. That’s normal.
2. Make your sign-in with your email and a new password.
3. Set up a second step for signing in, like a code sent by text.
   • No cell phone? You can get the code by a call to your home phone.
4. Follow the steps to prove it’s you. With Login.gov you’ll:
   • Take photos of your ID with your phone or computer camera. You may also be asked for a selfie.
   • Type in your Social Security number.
   • Get a one-time code on your phone.
   • Trouble with the photos? Login.gov says you may be able to do this step in person at a U.S. Post Office.
5. When you’re done, you’ll go back to my Social Security. Your account is ready.

Step 4: Turn on paperless letters

New accounts may get a welcome screen that asks paper or paperless. Choose paperless there. If you skipped it, or already had an account:

1. Sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount.
2. Tap the My Profile tab.
3. Tap Notification Preferences.
4. Turn Paperless Communications to ON.
5. Read the agreement, then tap Agree and Continue.

Tip: You can also ask for an email or text alert when a new letter is ready. The alert won’t have your private details. To read the letter, sign in to your account yourself at ssa.gov. Don’t tap a link in the alert.

Stay safe from Social Security scams

• Social Security’s online services are free. No one should charge you to set up your account.
• Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, or cash. Social Security says these are signs of a scam.
• Threats are a scam sign. That means warnings like “you’ll be arrested,” “your Social Security number will be suspended,” or “we’ll take the money in your bank account.”
• You never have to pay or give personal details to “turn on” your yearly increase (COLA). Anyone who says so is a scammer.
• Most real Social Security emails come from addresses that end in .gov. Even so, it’s safest to type ssa.gov yourself.
• Got a call, text, or email you’re not sure about? Hang up or ignore it. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
• Report a scam at oig.ssa.gov/report.

More warning signs are in our guide to spotting a scam.

If something goes wrong

• The ID photos won’t go through. Login.gov says you may be able to prove who you are in person at a U.S. Post Office instead. Login.gov’s help center can tell you more.
• I already had an old Social Security username. Those stopped working in June 2025. Sign in with Login.gov or ID.me instead.
• I share an email with my spouse. Each person needs their own email address and their own account.
• Someone else has my Social Security number. Making your own account helps stop a thief from opening one in your name. You’ll also get an alert if anyone tries to change your address or direct deposit. Then go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.

Official sources

• Social Security: my Social Security
• Social Security: Creating an account
• Social Security: Account FAQs and help
• Social Security: Opt out of mailed notices (paperless)
• Social Security: Benefit increase for 2027, press release, Oct 14, 2026
• Social Security: COLA information
• Social Security: Protect yourself from scams
• Social Security: Online notices (POMS NL 01201.001)
• Login.gov: Verify your identity
• FTC: IdentityTheft.gov

Last checked: Oct 19, 2026

This is general help, not legal or financial advice. It covers the U.S. Social Security website only. For questions about your benefits, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.