Whether you are receiving benefits or not, having a My Social Security account gives you immediate access to important information and many Social Security services online. It is an easy way to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, and even estimate future benefits. When you approach retirement and Medicare eligibility, it is a good idea to have an account so you can easily apply for both Social Security benefits and Medicare online.
Here are the steps to follow so you can create a my Social Security account. The process to create a login is tedious for security reasons and you will need to upload a picture of your ID. If you are not tech savvy it will give you other options to verify your identity but it will take longer and may require you to go to the post office.
Important note:
To create an account you must be at least 18 years of age, have a Social Security number, have a valid U.S. mailing address, and have an email address.
Step 1: Gather Your Personal Information
Before you create a My Social Security account, you will need to have certain personal information handy. This includes your full name, Social Security number, and date of birth. You will also need to have a valid email address and phone number.
Step 2: Go to the My Social Security Website
To create a My Social Security account, you will need to visit the official website. The website is https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. Make sure that you are on the official website and not a scam website and click “Create an Account.”
Step 3: Create LOGIN.GOV Account
This will take you to a new page to create a LOGIN.GOV account first. If you already have a Login .gov account you can simply login, if you don’t then you will need to click “Create an Account” under the login. It will have you complete the following:
- Enter email address.
- Confirm email with link sent to your email address (check your junk email).
- Create password.
- Set up Two-Factor Authentication for added security. This means that you will need to provide two forms of identification to log in to your account. Text message is the easiest to get a secure code via text or voice message. Once the code is entered and verified, you can add a second one or “skip for now”.
After completed, login.gov will share your info back to the SSA site. Click AGREE AND CONTINUE.
Step 4: Agree to the Terms of Service
Before you can proceed with creating a My Social Security account, you will need to agree to the terms of service. Read through the terms of service and click on the “I Agree” button if you accept them.
Step 5: Fill Out the Registration Form
Next, you will need to follow the onscreen instructions to fill out the registration form. This will require you to provide personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
Step 6: Verify Your Identity
To create a My Social Security account, you will need to verify your identity. There are two ways to do this: by providing personal information or by using your cell phone to receive a text message. Choose the method that is most convenient for you.
Step 7: Create a Username and Password
Finally, you will need to create a username and password. Make sure that your password is secure and not easy to guess.
Congratulations! You have now created a My Social Security account. From here, you can access your Social Security information and benefits, update your personal information, and more. Remember to keep your account information safe and secure.
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