What you're looking for and where to find it
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) accounts are managed through My Social Security, a single online portal run by the Social Security Administration. There is no separate "EDD Disability" login — the confusion often comes from California residents, where the Employment Development Department (EDD) handles unemployment and disability insurance, but federal SSDI is always accessed through Social Security's own website.
If you receive federal SSDI or SSI, you log in at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you live in California and receive state disability insurance (SDI) through EDD instead, that uses a different login system at edd.ca.gov. The two programs are separate, and knowing which one you're in matters for where you go to check your account.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount is the official login for federal SSDI and SSI — there is no separate EDD Disability login for these programs.
- California's state disability insurance (SDI) through EDD uses a different login at edd.ca.gov and is not the same as federal SSDI.
- You need a username and password, or you can use a third-party login like ID.me or Login.gov if you have already set one up.
- Once logged in, you can view your payment history, change your address, update direct deposit information, and see your benefit amount.
- If you cannot remember your password or username, the Social Security website has a reset option that does not require calling.
Setting up your My Social Security account
To create a My Social Security account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will send a verification code to your email — you enter that code to confirm the account is real.
After you verify your email, you create a username and password. The username can be anything you choose (it does not have to be your name). Write down both your username and password somewhere safe, because you will need them every time you log in. If you forget either one later, you can reset them on the login page without calling Social Security.
Some people prefer not to create a username and password. If that is you, you can instead log in using ID.me or Login.gov, which are third-party identity verification services. If you already have an account with either of those, you can use it to sign into My Social Security instead.
What you can do once you are logged in
Once you are in your account, you can see your current monthly benefit amount, view your payment history for the past 12 months, and check the date your next payment is scheduled. You can also see the address Social Security has on file for you and update it if you have moved.
You can change your direct deposit information — the bank account where your payments go — without calling. You can also request a replacement Social Security card, view your earnings record, and see whether Social Security has any documents on file related to your case. If you are working and need to report your earnings, you can do that through the portal as well.
You cannot use My Social Security to file a new claim for SSDI or SSI, to appeal a decision, or to request a hearing. Those tasks still require either a phone call to Social Security or a visit to your local Social Security office.
If you cannot log in or forgot your password
On the My Social Security login page, select "Forgot username or password?" and follow the prompts. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions you set up when you created your account, or by confirming information from your credit report. Once you verify who you are, you can create a new password right away.
If you cannot answer the security questions and do not want to use the credit report verification, you have the option to verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form). Call ahead to make sure the office is open and to ask whether you need an appointment.
The difference between SSDI, SSI, and California SDI
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is a federal program based on your work history. You are covered through My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is also federal and also managed through My Social Security. It is for people with disabilities, blindness, or who are 65 or older, and it is based on financial need rather than work history.
SDI (State Disability Insurance) in California is a state program run by EDD that covers temporary disabilities and pregnancy-related conditions. It is not the same as SSDI. If you receive California SDI, you log in at edd.ca.gov, not at Social Security's website.
Some people receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time, or both SSDI and California SDI. In those cases, you will have accounts in two different places: My Social Security for the federal programs, and EDD's website for the state program.
Staying safe when you log in
Always go directly to ssa.gov by typing the address into your browser yourself. Do not click a link in an email or text message that says it is from Social Security, even if it looks real. Scammers send fake emails and texts that look official and direct you to a fake login page designed to steal your password.
Social Security will never ask you for your password in an email, text, or phone call. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam.
If you see something suspicious on your account — a payment you did not receive, a change to your address you did not make, or a new device logged in — contact Social Security right away. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local office in person.
What to do if you need help beyond the online account
My Social Security lets you handle routine tasks, but some things still require talking to someone. If you need to file a new claim, appeal a decision, request a hearing, or discuss your case in detail, you will need to contact Social Security directly.
You can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number ready. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.
If you live in California and need help with SDI through EDD, call EDD's Disability Insurance program at 1-800-480-3287 or visit edd.ca.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Social Security the same as an EDD account?
No. My Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount) is for federal SSDI and SSI. EDD (edd.ca.gov) is California's state program for disability insurance and unemployment. They are separate systems with separate logins. If you receive federal SSDI, you use My Social Security. If you receive California SDI, you use EDD.
Can I log in to My Social Security on my phone?
Yes. My Social Security works on phones and tablets as well as computers. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your phone's browser and log in the same way you would on a computer. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from your phone's app store.
What if I never created a My Social Security account?
You can create one anytime at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. Social Security will send a verification code to your email to confirm it is really you. After you verify, you create a username and password and can log in when ready.
Can I use My Social Security to report a change in my living situation?
You can update your address through My Social Security. For other changes — like a new living arrangement that affects your benefits, a change in income, or a change in family status — you should contact Social Security directly by phone or in person to make sure the change is recorded correctly on your case.
What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?
Contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. Tell them you believe your account has been compromised. They can lock your account, review recent activity, and help you find it. You can also change your password right away through the "Forgot password" option on the login page.