Guide: How to verify your identity online with Social Security

If you’ve heard that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is tightening its identity verification rules, there’s good news for disability applicants.

Originally, SSA planned to require all benefits applicants to verify their identities while creating the my Social Security online account. Those unable to complete the process online would have been forced to visit a Social Security office in person.

However, on March 28, 2025, SSA rolled back those requirements — at least for now — for individuals applying for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Medicare
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

This policy took effect April 14, 2025.

We’re here to help you navigate these changes

At Joyce & Bary Law, we’re closely monitoring these developments to understand how they may affect our clients. Our team is committed to staying ahead of SSA policy changes so that you don’t have to.

Despite the identity verification rollback, we encourage you to create a my Social Security account using Login.gov or ID.me for easy, secure access to your records. Whether or not you’re receiving benefits, your account gives you access to powerful tools:

For everyone, you can: 

• View your Social Security Statement
• Check your earnings history
• Get personalized retirement benefit estimates
• Track application or appeal status
• Request proof of no benefits received
• See your disability benefit estimate

Benefit recipients can also:

• Enter and manage direct deposit information (non-verified recipients must make an in-person appointment — which usually requires months of waiting — to submit or change banking information)
• Get benefit verification letters
• Replace SSA-1099 forms
• Manage personal information
• Opt for online notices instead of mailed ones

Create your personal ‘My Social Security’ account

To create my Social Security account, you must establish verified credentials through Login.gov or ID.me. If you’ve logged in to other government websites — irs.gov, Trusted Traveler Programs, and others — you may already have an account with one of those providers. If that’s the case, you’ll be able to use that login to create your my Social Security account. 

If you don’t already have an account with one of these providers, you’ll be prompted to create one during the signup process. Each provider uses a unique, secure method to verify your identity.

Step-by-Step: How to create a ‘My Social Security’ account

1. Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount and click “Create an Account.”
2. Choose your credential provider:
   • If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, select the appropriate button to sign in.
   • If not, click “Create an Account with Login.gov” and follow the prompts.
3. Verify your identity as required by your chosen provider.
4. Receive an activation code by mail, text, or automated call.
5. Use the activation code to complete your account setup.
6. Review and accept the Terms of Service to start using your account.

What to do if you can’t get through the verification process

Occasionally, a user is unable to verify their identity through the online credential providers.The most common reasons are: 

• No valid driver’s license or state ID (military IDs, passports or other documents are not accepted)
• Expired ID
• Incomplete information or information that doesn’t match across your documents
• Technical issues with your phone or computer
• Providing incorrect information
• Limited credit history

If you are unable to verify your identity, don’t panic. Your identity will be verified as we work through the disability application process. 

Need help applying for disability benefits?

At Joyce & Bary Law, we are prepared to help you at every step of the disability application process. Call us today or check your eligibility online to get started.