How do I check if I already have a Social Security online account without creating a duplicate?
I'm trying to access my Social Security information online, but I can't remember if I've already created an account with SSA. It's been years since I might have done this (possibly when I first became eligible for benefits?). Is there a way to check if I already have an account without accidentally creating a duplicate one? When I go to the mySocialSecurity site, it just gives me options to sign in or create an account. If I try to create a new one and already have one, will it tell me or just make a duplicate? Thanks in advance for any help!
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Zoe Wang
There's no way to directly check if you have an existing account without attempting to log in or create a new one. However, the system won't let you create a duplicate account. If you try to create a new account with your SSN, it will recognize that you already have one and prompt you to recover your username or reset your password instead of completing a new account setup.
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Aidan Hudson
•Thank you! That's really helpful. So I can go ahead and try to create a new account without worrying about making a mess of things. I'll give that a try tonight.
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Connor Richards
just try to make a new account. it wont let u make a duplicate. the system checks ur ssn and will tell u if u already got one
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Grace Durand
•This is terrible advice! When I tried this, it locked my account because of too many failed attempts and I had to call SSA which took FOREVER to fix. Don't just randomly try things with SSA's system!!
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Steven Adams
The easiest way is to click "Sign In" and then select "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Password". Enter your personal info and if you already have an account, it will help you recover it. If you don't have one, it will tell you that no account exists with that information. That's safer than trying to create a new one right away.
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Aidan Hudson
•This makes a lot of sense. I'll try the forgot username option first. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Alice Fleming
I had the EXACT same problem last month!!! Couldn't remember if I made an account years ago when I first applied for my retirement benefits. Tried calling SSA and was on hold for 2+ hours before getting disconnected. SO FRUSTRATING!!!
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Hassan Khoury
•I've been using Claimyr to get through to SSA agents when I need to call them. Saves hours of waiting. Just go to claimyr.com and watch their demo video: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - they call SSA for you and call you back when an agent is on the line. Worked great when I needed to fix my account issues.
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Victoria Stark
This is a common issue that many beneficiaries face. The Social Security Administration has a verification process built into their account creation system to prevent duplicates. Here's the proper procedure: 1. Go to ssa.gov and click on "my Social Security" 2. Select "Create an Account" 3. Begin the process by providing your personal information 4. If you already have an account, the system will notify you and redirect you to account recovery options Alternatively, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, but be prepared for potentially long wait times. They can verify if you have an existing online account and help you regain access.
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Aidan Hudson
•Thank you for these detailed steps. This is really clear and helpful. I'll try the online approach first and call only if necessary.
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Grace Durand
I went through this last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! The system kept saying I had an account but wouldn't let me reset my password because my phone number had changed. Then when I called they said I needed to go to the local office with ID. But when I went there they said I could have done it over the phone!!! The SSA is so disorganized it makes me CRAZY.
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Alice Fleming
•Omg this is exactly what happened to my sister!! SS administration is the worst government agency ever. They literally told her 3 different things by 3 different people!
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