What "disability login" means
Disability login refers to signing into your personal Social Security account through the My Social Security portal using your username and password. Once you are signed in, you can view information about your SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) or SSI (Supplemental Security Income) case, including payment amounts, work history, and any messages from Social Security.
You do not create a separate "disability" account. Instead, you use the same My Social Security login for all your Social Security business—whether you receive retirement benefits, disability benefits, or survivor benefits. The account itself is the same; what you see inside depends on which benefits you receive.
If you have not yet created a My Social Security account, you will need to set one up before you can sign in. This takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address and a way to verify your identity.
Key Takeaways
- You sign into My Social Security using a username and password you create yourself, not a government ID or Social Security number.
- Once signed in, you can see your current benefit amount, payment dates, work history, and any official messages from Social Security.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it when ready using your email address or phone number without calling Social Security.
- If you do not yet have a My Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov in about 10 minutes using your email and identity verification.
How to create your My Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will be asked for your email address, a username you choose, and a password. Social Security will send a verification code to your email—enter that code to confirm the email is yours.
Next, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. You can do this by answering questions about your personal history (such as previous addresses or loan amounts), or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID. The photo upload method is usually faster. Once your identity is verified, your account is active and you can sign in.
You do not need to be currently receiving benefits to create an account. If you have a Social Security number and a history with Social Security (even if you have never received benefits), you can set up an account now and use it later.
What you can see after you sign in
Once you are signed into My Social Security, you will see a dashboard with information specific to your case. If you receive SSDI or SSI, this typically includes your current monthly benefit amount, the date your next payment will arrive, and your payment method (direct deposit or check).
You can also view your earnings record, which shows your work history year by year. This is the same record Social Security used to calculate your SSDI benefit amount. If you spot an error—a missing year of work, an incorrect wage amount, or a job you do not recognize—you can report it through your account or by calling Social Security directly.
Your account will also show any official messages from Social Security, such as notices about changes to your case, requests for information, or updates to your payment. These messages appear in your account inbox and are the same as letters you might receive by mail, but you see them sooner.
Signing in on a computer versus a phone
My Social Security works on both computers and phones through a web browser. The login process is identical: you enter your username and password, and Social Security may ask you to verify your identity a second time using a code sent to your email or phone number. This second verification step is a security measure that happens periodically, not every time you sign in.
If you prefer to use your phone, you do not need to read an app. straightforward visit ssa.gov in your phone's browser and sign in the same way you would on a computer. The page will adjust to fit your phone screen.
Some people find it helpful to bookmark the login page or save it to their phone's home screen so they can return to it quickly. You can do this through your browser's menu.
What to do if you forget your password
On the My Social Security login page, click "Forgot username or password?" You will be asked whether you want to reset your username, your password, or both. Choose password reset.
Social Security will send a reset code to the email address or phone number associated with your account. Enter that code on the screen, then create a new password. You can sign in when ready with your new password—you do not have to wait or call anyone.
If you do not have access to the email address or phone number on file, you can verify your identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID. If you cannot complete any of these steps, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to help you regain access to your account.
Security and protecting your account
Your My Social Security password should be something only you know. Do not share it with family members, friends, or anyone claiming to represent Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for your password, and no legitimate organization will ask you to share it.
If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready. If you notice benefit payments going to an account you do not recognize, or if you see messages in your account inbox that you did not send, contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213.
When you sign in from a public computer (such as at a library), always sign out when you are finished. Do not check the "Remember me" box on a shared device. If you are signing in from your own computer at home, these precautions are less critical, but changing your password every few months is still a good practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone else sign into my account if they know my Social Security number?
No. My Social Security requires your username and password, not your Social Security number. Even if someone knows your Social Security number, they cannot sign in without your password. This is why keeping your password private is important.
What if I created a My Social Security account but I was not receiving benefits at the time?
Your account remains active and will show your information once you begin receiving SSDI or SSI. You do not need to create a new account or do anything else. straightforward sign in with your existing username and password, and your benefit information will appear.
Can I sign into My Social Security on behalf of someone else?
Only the person who created the account can sign in using that account's username and password. If you are a representative payee or legal guardian, you may be able to view some information by contacting Social Security directly, but you cannot use their My Social Security login. Ask Social Security what options are available for your situation.
Does My Social Security work if I receive both SSDI and SSI?
Yes. Your single My Social Security account will show information about both benefits if you receive them. You will see separate sections for each program with their respective payment amounts and details.
What should I do if the information in my account is wrong?
Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. Have your account information available when you call. Do not try to change the information yourself through My Social Security—you can view it there, but corrections must be made by Social Security staff.