What you need to sign in to My Social Security

To sign in to My Social Security, you need a username and password you created when you first set up your account, or a way to verify your identity through a third-party service like Login.gov or ID.me. You do not need to be receiving benefits yet — you can create an account as soon as you have a Social Security number.

The sign-in page is at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you have never logged in before, you will see options to create a new account or sign in with an existing one. The process takes about 10 minutes the first time.

If you have forgotten your username or password, the website will walk you through resetting it using your email address or phone number. You do not need to call Social Security to recover a lost password.

Key Takeaways

  • You sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount using a username and password you create, or through Login.gov or ID.me if you prefer not to create a separate account.
  • Creating an account requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a phone call or text message.
  • Once signed in, you can view your earnings record, check the status of a benefits claim, and change your address or direct deposit information.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it on the sign-in page without calling Social Security.
  • My Social Security is available 24 hours a day, but the Social Security office that handles your account may take time to process changes you request online.

Creating a new My Social Security account

To create an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account". You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where you can receive a text or call. Social Security will send you a one-time code to verify that the phone number belongs to you.

After you verify your phone number, you choose a username and password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @. Write this down somewhere safe — you will need it every time you sign in.

Once your account is created, you can sign in when ready. Your account will show information Social Security already has on file about you, such as your name, address, and earnings history.

Signing in with Login.gov or ID.me instead

If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use it to sign in to My Social Security without creating a separate username and password. This is faster if you have used either service before.

On the ssa.gov/myaccount sign-in page, look for the buttons that say "Sign in with Login.gov" or "Sign in with ID.me". Click the one you use, and you will be taken to that service to verify your identity. Once verified, you will be logged into My Social Security.

Using Login.gov or ID.me does not change what you can see or do in your account — it is just a different way to prove who you are.

What you can do once you are signed in

Once logged in, you can view your Social Security earnings record, which shows how much you earned each year and how much was withheld for Social Security taxes. You can also see an estimate of what your benefits might be at different ages if you have not yet claimed.

If you have filed for SSDI or SSI, you can check the status of your claim and see what documents Social Security has received from you. You can also upload documents directly from your account if the Social Security office handling your case asks for them.

You can change your address, phone number, and email address in your account. You can also set up or change your direct deposit information so that benefits, if you receive them, go to your bank account instead of a paper check.

If you cannot sign in or forgot your password

If you forgot your username, the sign-in page has a link that says "Forgot username?" Click it and enter your email address. Social Security will send you an email with your username or a link to reset it.

If you forgot your password, click "Forgot password?" on the sign-in page. You will be asked to verify your identity by answering security questions you set up when you created your account, or by receiving a code on your phone. Once verified, you can create a new password.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to reset your account. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Security and protecting your account

Your My Social Security account contains sensitive information, so Social Security recommends using a strong, unique password that you do not use on other websites. If someone else uses your computer, sign out when you are done — do not leave your account open.

If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security can also place a note on your account if you are concerned about identity theft.

My Social Security uses encryption to protect the information you send, which means it is safe to enter your personal details on the website. However, do not share your username, password, or one-time verification codes with anyone, including Social Security employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. My Social Security works on any device with a web browser, including phones and tablets. The layout adjusts to fit smaller screens. You sign in the same way as on a computer.

What if I do not have an email address?

You 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 proceed with creating your My Social Security account.

How long does it take to create an account?

Creating an account usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most of that time is spent verifying your phone number and choosing a password. Once your account is created, you can sign in when ready.

Can I sign in if I am not receiving benefits yet?

Yes. You can create a My Social Security account at any time if you have a Social Security number. You do not have to be receiving benefits or have filed a claim. Your account will show your earnings record and benefit estimates even if you are not yet receiving payments.

What should I do if I see information in my account that is wrong?

If your earnings record shows incorrect amounts or missing years, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You may need to provide tax returns or W-2 forms as proof. If your address or personal information is wrong, you can update it directly in your My Social Security account.