Online Services

How to Create a my Social Security Account

April 9, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

A personal my Social Security account is one of the most important tools in your online services tool belt. A my Social Security account puts you in control of your Social Security record. Opening an account is quick, secure, and easy. Check out our infographic on how you can create your personal my Social Security account today!

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Sue B.

    I want to set up my social security account but at this time I live in Canada. It says in the instructions that I have to have a valid US address. Can I use my son’s address who lives in NY state?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sue. We’re sorry for any inconvenience. You can only create a personal my Social Security account using your own information and for your own exclusive use. Since you are living outside of the U.S., you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for assistance. We hope this helps.

  2. Judith L.

    I live in Canada and so do not have a US address, but I have a social security number. Can I set up a “my Social Security account” anyway?
    Thanks

    • V.V.

      Hi Judith, thank you for your question. At this time you must have a U. S. mailing address to create or access your online account. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. We recommend that individuals living in Canada use the Canadian Service Area Directory to determine which Resident Office is near you.

  3. Betty Z.

    If I already have a My Social Security account, do I need to create a new account for the added security, and will my current account be deleted?

    Thank you.

  4. J. M.

    It seems no matter what I enter as a username, it is unacceptable. Instructions say it must contain 8-20 characters

    • L.A.

      Hi J.M. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  5. Christian

    I keep getting locked out after 3 attempts at entering information that is correct. My girlfriend told me she’s never gotten this site to work for her either. I would prefer to figure this out without having to make a phone call, is there an online means of support, or is there something else I should try?

  6. Walter L.

    I created an account in September of 2018. It is not recognizing my user name and password.
    What should I do now? I would like to apply for retirement benefits.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Walter. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  7. Leslie T.

    I forgot my username and password for my ss account. How do I get or change it

    • A.C.

      Hi, Leslie. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  8. Stephen N.

    how often should i change my online MySocialSecuruty password. How long until they expire?

    • V.V.

      Hi Stephen. We have good news! Your password for your my Social Security account does not expire. Of course, you have the option to reset a forgotten password, and to change it in Security Settings if you wish to use a different password.

  9. Dana S.

    I have a client who told us he is unable to set up an account or access his Social Security on-line. Could you help us troubleshoot:

    • V.V.

      Hi Dana: Thank you for your question. Your client can contact Social Security for assistance by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” or contact the local Social Security office.

  10. Pamela a.

    I can’t seem to get into my account… Say’s I already have account

    • A.C.

      Hi, Pamela. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are still unable to access an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

Comments are closed.