What You Need to Log In

To access your Social Security account online, you will use a service called my Social Security. This is the official Social Security Administration website where you can view your account, check your benefit status, and manage your SSDI information. You do not need to go to a local office or call a phone number to log in — everything happens at ssa.gov.

Before you attempt to log in, have ready: your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number where you can receive text messages or phone calls. If you do not have an account yet, you will create one during the login process. The entire setup takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You log in to my Social Security at ssa.gov using your Social Security number and a password you create yourself.
  • The first time you log in, you will verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by receiving a code by mail or phone.
  • Once logged in, you can view your benefit amount, payment history, and the status of any pending requests or appeals.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it when ready using your email address or phone number without calling Social Security.
  • Two-factor authentication — a security code sent to your phone or email — protects your account each time you log in from a new device.

Creating Your Account for the First Time

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner. Click "Create an account" if you do not already have one. You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will ask you to create a password — use one that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

After you create your password, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. You have three options: answer security questions about your credit history (the fastest option if you have a credit file), receive a one-time code by text message, or receive a code by mail. If you choose the mail option, the code arrives in 5 to 10 business days. You will need this code to finish setting up your account.

Once your identity is verified, you will set up two-factor authentication. This means that every time you log in from a device Social Security has not seen before, you will receive a security code by text or email. You enter that code before you can access your account. This step protects your information from unauthorized access.

Logging In After Your Account Is Set Up

On your next visit to ssa.gov, click "Sign In" and enter your Social Security number and password. If you are logging in from the same device you used before, you will go straight to your account. If you are using a new device or browser, Social Security will send you a one-time code by text message or email — enter that code and you will be logged in.

You can choose to have Social Security remember your device for 30 days, which means you will not need a code the next time you log in from that same device. Do not use this option on a shared computer or phone. On your personal device, it saves you a step each time.

What You Can See and Do Once Logged In

Once you are in your account, you will see your current benefit amount, the date of your next payment, and your payment history for the past 12 months. You can also view your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for you — and request a replacement Social Security card or a benefit verification letter.

If you have an open appeal or a pending request for a change to your benefits, you will see the status of that case in your account. You can also use your account to report a change in your circumstances, such as a change in address or a change in your work status. Some changes can be reported online; others require you to contact Social Security by phone or in person.

If You Forget Your Password or Cannot Log In

Click "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page. Social Security will send you a link by email. Click that link and create a new password. The entire process takes a few minutes and does not require you to call or visit an office.

If you cannot remember your Social Security number or the email address you used to create your account, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Have your date of birth and a government-issued ID ready. A representative can help you regain access to your account.

If your account has been locked because of too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. You can also call the number above to unlock your account when ready.

Security and Privacy When You Log In

Social Security uses encryption to protect the information you send when you log in. This means your password and personal details are scrambled and cannot be read by anyone who intercepts them. Never share your password with anyone, including Social Security employees — Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone.

If you receive an email that appears to be from Social Security asking you to log in or verify your information, do not click any links in that email. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser. Scammers often send fake emails that look like they come from Social Security. The real Social Security website always begins with "ssa.gov".

Log out of your account when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared device. Click the "Sign Out" button in the upper right corner of your account page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in there. The app shows the same information as the website.

What if I do not have a cell phone to receive a security code?

You can use your email address instead of a phone number to receive your security code. During setup, choose email as your two-factor authentication method. You will receive a code in your email inbox each time you log in from a new device.

How long does my login session last?

Your session will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. If this happens, you will need to log in again. This is a security measure to protect your account if you forget to log out on a shared device.

Can I use my my Social Security account to check the status of my SSDI appeal?

Yes. Once you are logged in, you will see a section for "Appeals" or "Pending Requests" that shows the status of any case you have open with Social Security. You can also see the date of your next hearing or decision, if one is scheduled.

What should I do if I think someone else has accessed my account?

Change your password when ready by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. A representative can review your account for any changes you did not make.