Previously, a U.S. mailing address was required to access Social Security’s online services through a mySocialSecurity account. Now, individuals without a U.S. mailing address can create an account and utilize www.ssa.gov online services by using an ID.me digital credential. This expansion of access allows more people to manage their Social Security benefits online.
Creating an ID.me Account for www.ssa.gov Online Services
If you do not have an existing ID.me account, follow these steps to create one:
- Navigate to the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov/myaccount to access the mySocialSecurity platform.
- Click the “Create an Account” button on the mySocialSecurity page and select “Sign in with ID.me.”
- Choose the “Create an ID.me account” link and proceed through the provided instructions.
- On the ID.me “Verify Your Identity” page, select the link indicating you do not live in the United States, typically located at the bottom of the page. Follow the subsequent instructions to finalize your registration.
- After successfully creating your ID.me credential, you will be redirected back to the mySocialSecurity webpage to complete the account setup.
For those who already possess an ID.me credential, simply select “Sign In” on the mySocialSecurity page and log in using your existing ID.me credentials. You will be automatically redirected to your mySocialSecurity account.
Individuals with existing mySocialSecurity accounts created prior to relocating abroad will need to establish an ID.me credential to access their account from an international address.
Available www.ssa.gov Online Services with ID.me
Once your personal mySocialSecurity account is established using your ID.me credential, you can access a variety of online services:
- Review your earnings history.
- Obtain estimates of your future benefits.
- Monitor the status of your benefit application or appeal.
- Access, print, or save a benefit verification letter (note: physical copies cannot be mailed to foreign addresses).
- Modify your Special Notice Options (SNO Notices) preferences.
- Utilize select representative payee services.
- Access, print, or save replacement SSA-1099/1042S tax statements (note: physical copies cannot be mailed to foreign addresses).
- Review online notices from the Social Security Administration.
- Request a replacement Medicare card.
www.ssa.gov Services Unavailable Outside the United States
While ID.me expands access to many online services, some functionalities remain unavailable for individuals residing outside the U.S., including:
- Changing your address on file.
- Modifying your direct deposit information.
- Requesting a replacement Social Security card.
These limitations highlight the importance of maintaining accurate contact information and planning accordingly when residing abroad. Using ID.me to access www.ssa.gov online services provides a convenient way to manage your Social Security benefits, even without a U.S. mailing address.
