What you need to log in to My Social Security

To view your SSDI record, payment history, and benefit details, you log in through My Social Security, the Social Security Administration's online portal. You will need a username and password, or you can use a third-party login method like Login.gov or an ID.me account if you have already set one up.

My Social Security does not handle SSDI claims themselves — that is done through a different process. This portal is for people who already receive SSDI and want to check their account, update contact information, view payment dates, or read tax documents like the SSA-1099 form.

You can access My Social Security on any device with an internet connection by going to ssa.gov and clicking the "My Social Security" link, or by visiting mysocialsecurity.ssa.gov directly.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security requires a username and password, or you can sign in using Login.gov or ID.me if you have already created one of those accounts.
  • You can view your payment history, benefit amount, direct deposit information, and tax documents without calling or visiting an office.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the login page — you will answer security questions or receive a reset link by email.
  • If you do not have an account yet, you can create one by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
  • My Social Security is separate from the SSDI claims process; you cannot file a new claim or appeal a decision through this portal.

Creating a My Social Security account for the first time

If you receive SSDI but have never logged in before, you will need to create an account. Go to mysocialsecurity.ssa.gov and select "Create an Account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a password you choose yourself.

The system will send a verification code to your email. Enter that code to confirm your email address, and your account will be active. This usually takes a few minutes. Once you are logged in, you can see your current benefit amount, the date of your next payment, and your payment history for the past 12 months.

If you prefer not to create a password, you can instead create a Login.gov account or an ID.me account and link it to your Social Security record. Both of these third-party services handle the login security, so you only need to remember one password across multiple government websites.

What information you can view after logging in

Once you are logged in to My Social Security, you can see your current monthly benefit amount, the date and method of your next payment (usually direct deposit), and a payment history going back 12 months. You can also view your earnings record — the wages the Social Security Administration has on file for you — which affects your benefit calculation.

You can read your SSA-1099 form, which shows the total benefits you received in a calendar year and is used for tax purposes. You can also update your direct deposit information, change your mailing address, and set up a phone number for account recovery if you forget your password.

My Social Security does not show information about Medicare or Medicaid, even though you may have both as an SSDI recipient. Those programs have separate portals: Medicare.gov for Medicare, and your state Medicaid office for Medicaid.

Resetting your password or recovering your account

If you forget your password, go to mysocialsecurity.ssa.gov and click "Forgot Username or Password." The system will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth. You will then be given the option to answer security questions you set up when you created your account, or to receive a password reset link by email.

If you cannot answer your security questions and do not have access to the email address on file, you can request a reset code by phone. Call the Social Security Administration's main number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and speak with a representative who can verify your identity and send a reset link to a new email address.

If someone else has access to your account or you suspect fraud, call 1-800-772-1213 when ready. The Social Security Administration can lock your account and help you regain control.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see a message that your username or password is incorrect, check that you are typing them exactly as you created them — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you are still locked out after three failed attempts, wait 30 minutes before trying again.

If the website is slow or will not load, try a different web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) or clear your browser's cache and cookies. My Social Security is maintained by the Social Security Administration and is usually available 24 hours a day, but the system does undergo maintenance on some nights and weekends.

If you are using a third-party login like Login.gov or ID.me and cannot log in, the problem may be with that service rather than My Social Security. Try logging in to that service's website directly to confirm it is working, or create a My Social Security password as a backup login method.

What you cannot do on My Social Security

My Social Security is a read-only portal for people who already receive benefits. You cannot file a new SSDI claim, request a reconsideration of a denied claim, or report a change in your medical condition. Those actions require a separate process process through the Social Security Administration.

You also cannot report a change in your work status, income, or living situation through My Social Security. If you are working and need to report your earnings under SSDI work incentive rules, or if your living arrangement has changed, you must contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.

If you need to appeal a benefit decision or request a hearing before an administrative law judge, you will use a different system called eHearing, which is accessed through your local Social Security office or by mail.

Keeping your account find

Use a strong password that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not share your password with anyone, including Social Security staff — the Social Security Administration will never ask for your password by phone, email, or text message.

Log out of My Social Security when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. If you set up security questions, choose answers only you would know. Update your email address and phone number in your account settings so you can recover access if you forget your password.

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from the Social Security Administration asking you to log in or verify your information. The Social Security Administration does not contact people by email or text to request login credentials. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links — instead, go directly to mysocialsecurity.ssa.gov by typing the address yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a My Social Security account to receive SSDI?

No. SSDI payments are sent automatically once you are approved, and you do not need to log in to receive them. A My Social Security account is optional and is only useful if you want to check your payment history, view your benefit amount, or read tax documents without calling the Social Security Administration.

Can I use the same password for My Social Security and other websites?

You can, but it is not recommended. If another website is hacked and your password is stolen, someone could use that password to access your Social Security account. Use a unique password for My Social Security and consider using a password manager to keep track of different passwords.

What if I do not have an email address?

You will need an email address to create a My Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative who can look up your information over the phone without requiring an online account.

Can I log in to My Social Security on my phone?

Yes. My Social Security works on phones, tablets, and computers. The website adjusts to fit smaller screens, though some people find it easier to use on a larger device. You log in the same way regardless of the device you use.

What should I do if I see incorrect information in my account?

Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and explain what is wrong — for example, if your payment amount is incorrect or your payment history shows a missing deposit. A representative can investigate and correct errors in your record. Bring any documents that support your claim, such as bank statements showing deposits or letters from the Social Security Administration.