What you need to log into your Social Security account
To access your Social Security account online, you will need a my Social Security username and password, or you can use a third-party login through Login.gov. If you do not have an account yet, you will create one before you can log in. The account itself is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up.
You do not need to be receiving benefits yet to create an account. You can set one up whether you are thinking about explore, in the middle of an process, or already receiving SSDI payments. The account works the same way regardless.
Social Security does not contact people by email or text to ask them to log in or verify their information. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in, it is a scam — do not click any links in it.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount, using your email address and a password you choose.
- You will need to verify your identity during signup, usually by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo ID.
- Once logged in, you can check your process status, view your earnings record, and change your address or direct deposit information.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page without calling Social Security.
- Social Security will never ask you to log in through a link in an email or text message.
Creating a my Social Security account for the first time
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will enter your email address, create a password, and provide your Social Security number. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity before the account is active.
Identity verification usually happens one of two ways. The first is by answering questions about your credit history — things like "which of these addresses have you lived at" or "which of these credit cards have you held." These questions come from credit reports and are meant to confirm you are who you say you are. The second method is uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport and taking a photo of yourself, which Social Security compares to make sure they match.
If you cannot verify your identity online, Social Security will offer to mail you a verification code. This takes longer but works if the credit-based questions do not recognize you or if you do not have a photo ID available right now.
Logging in after your account is set up
Once your account is created and verified, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your email address and password. You may be asked to enter a one-time code sent to your email or phone as an extra security step — this is normal and happens randomly, not every time.
If you prefer not to use a my Social Security password, you can log in using Login.gov, which is a separate government login system. You create a Login.gov account once and can use it to access multiple government websites, including Social Security. Some people find this easier if they already use Login.gov for other agencies.
After you log in, you will see a dashboard with links to your information. The exact options available depend on whether you are currently receiving benefits, whether you have an open process, and what type of account you have.
What you can do once you are logged in
Inside your account, you can check the status of a pending SSDI process. The status page shows whether your process is being reviewed, whether Social Security needs more information from you, or whether a decision has been made. If more information is needed, the page will tell you what documents to send and where to send them.
You can also view your earnings record, which is the list of years and amounts Social Security has recorded as your income. This is important because SSDI benefits are based partly on your work history. If the record shows missing years or wrong amounts, you can request a correction through your account.
If you are already receiving SSDI, you can change your direct deposit information, update your address, and view your payment history. You can also report a change in your situation — such as a change in income or living arrangement — though some changes may require you to call or visit in person.
If you forget your password or cannot log in
On the my Social Security login page, select "Forgot username or password?" and follow the steps. Social Security will send a reset link to your email address. Click the link and create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.
If you cannot reset your password through email, or if you are locked out of your account after too many wrong password attempts, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). They can unlock your account or help you regain access. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays.
If you created your account using Login.gov, you would reset your password through Login.gov instead of through Social Security. The process is similar but happens on a different website.
Protecting your account from scams
Social Security will never send you an email or text asking you to log in, verify your information, or click a link. If you receive a message like this, it is fraudulent. Do not click any links, do not reply, and do not call any phone number in the message.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, log in and change your password when ready. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. If you cannot log in because you think someone changed your password, call that same number and ask them to help you regain control of your account.
Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, birthdate, or name in your password. Do not share your password with anyone, including Social Security employees.
When you might need to call instead of using your account
Most routine tasks can be done through your online account, but some situations require a phone call or in-person visit. If you need to report a major life change — such as marriage, divorce, or a significant change in your medical condition — you may need to speak with someone directly. If your process was denied and you want to appeal, you will file the appeal through your account, but you may want to call to discuss your options first.
If you are having trouble uploading documents or if your process status has not changed in several weeks, calling can sometimes move things along faster. Social Security's main number is 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number and any relevant process or case numbers ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a my Social Security account to explore for SSDI?
No. You can explore for SSDI by phone, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office without creating an online account. However, creating an account afterward lets you track your process status and manage your benefits online once you are approved.
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, Outlook, or Yahoo. Once you have an email address, you can set up your Social Security account. If you cannot get online, you can still call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to handle your business by phone.
Can someone else log into my account for me?
No. Your account is personal and password-protected. If you need someone to help you manage your benefits, you can give them power of attorney or appoint them as a representative payee, but they would not log in using your credentials. Social Security can explain these options if you call 1-800-772-1213.
How long does it take to verify my identity when I first sign up?
If you answer the credit history questions correctly, your account is verified when ready and you can log in right away. If you upload a photo ID, verification usually takes one to two business days. If Social Security mails you a verification code, it takes about one to two weeks.
Is my information safe on the my Social Security website?
Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, but no website is completely risk-free. Use a strong password, never share it, and do not log in from public Wi-Fi. If you think your account has been compromised, change your password and call 1-800-772-1213 when ready.