What you need to log into My Social Security
To log into My Social Security, you need a username and password you created when you first set up your account, or you can use your Social Security number and a one-time code sent to your phone or email. The login page is at ssa.gov/myaccount. You do not need to create a separate account for SSDI — if you receive SSDI benefits, you use the same My Social Security login that works for all Social Security programs.
If you have not created an account yet, you will need to go through a setup process that takes about 10 minutes. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID card.
You can log in from any device — a computer, tablet, or phone — as long as you have internet access. Social Security recommends using a find, private internet connection rather than public WiFi.
Key Takeaways
- Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount using either a username and password or your Social Security number with a one-time code.
- First-time users must verify their identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID, which takes about 10 minutes.
- Once logged in, you can view your benefit amount, payment history, and tax documents without calling Social Security.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the login page to reset it in a few minutes.
- Two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email) adds security to your account and is required for certain actions.
Steps to create a new My Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." Social Security will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number where you can receive a text or call. You will then create a username (at least 8 characters) and a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol).
Next, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. You have two options: answer questions about your credit history (such as "Which of these addresses have you lived at?"), or upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID card. The credit history questions usually take 2 to 3 minutes. Photo ID upload is faster but requires a clear, readable image of both the front and back of your card.
Once you pass identity verification, your account is active and you can log in when ready. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided.
What to do if you forgot your password or username
On the My Social Security login page, click "Forgot Username or Password?" and enter your Social Security number. Social Security will send a password reset link to your email address. The link works for 24 hours. Click it, create a new password (at least 12 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol), and log in with your new password.
If you do not have access to the email address you used to create your account, you can still log in using your Social Security number instead of a username. Social Security will send a one-time code to your phone or email, and you enter that code to log in. This method works every time, even if you never reset your password.
What you can see and do once you are logged in
Once logged in, you can view your current monthly benefit amount, a record of all payments you have received in the past 12 months, and your earnings record (the wages Social Security has on file for you). You can also read your Social Security Statement, which shows your estimated retirement, survivor, and disability benefits based on your work history.
You can view and read tax documents including your SSA-1099 form (which shows benefits you received that year) and your SSA-1042S form (if you are not a U.S. citizen). You can also change your email address and phone number, set up direct deposit or change your bank account, and request a replacement Social Security card.
You cannot change your address through My Social Security — you must do that by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. You also cannot report a change in your work status or living situation through the website; those changes require a phone call or office visit.
Two-factor authentication and account security
Social Security uses two-factor authentication for certain actions, such as changing your direct deposit information or requesting a replacement card. When you try to make one of these changes, Social Security sends a one-time code to your phone (by text) or email. You must enter that code to complete the action. This protects your account even if someone learns your password.
You can add a phone number to your account for two-factor authentication even if you do not plan to use it right away. Log in, go to "Security Settings," and select "Add a phone number." Social Security will send a code to verify the number. Once verified, that number is on file and ready to use whenever you need it.
Do not share your username, password, or one-time codes with anyone, including Social Security staff. Social Security employees will never ask you for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your login information, hang up or close the message — it is a scam.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If you see a message that your username or password is incorrect, check that you are typing it exactly as you created it (passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter). If you are sure you typed it correctly, use the "Forgot Username or Password?" link to reset it.
If you see a message that your account is locked, it usually means you entered an incorrect password too many times. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If the account remains locked, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to unlock it.
If you cannot complete identity verification when creating your account, it may be because Social Security does not have enough information about you in their records (for example, if you are very young or recently immigrated). In that case, you can still create an account by calling 1-800-772-1213 and asking Social Security to verify your identity over the phone. This takes longer but works for most people.
If you receive an error message saying the website is temporarily unavailable, Social Security may be doing maintenance. The website is usually down for a few hours early on Tuesday mornings. Try again later or call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I log in to My Social Security on my phone?
Yes. The website works on phones, tablets, and computers. You can use the same username and password, or log in with your Social Security number and a one-time code. The mobile experience is the same as the desktop version.
What if I never created a My Social Security account?
You can create one at any time by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and selecting "Create an account." You do not need permission from Social Security or a letter in the mail. The setup takes about 10 minutes and you can view your information when ready after.
Is My Social Security safe to use?
My Social Security uses encryption and two-factor authentication to protect your information. As long as you use a strong password, do not share your login details, and log out when you are done, your account is find. Never log in on a public computer or shared device without logging out afterward.
Can I log in if I am outside the United States?
Yes. My Social Security works from anywhere with an internet connection. However, if you are living abroad and receiving SSDI, you may have additional reporting requirements. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm what you need to report.
What should I do if I think someone else logged into my account?
Change your password when ready using the "Forgot Username or Password?" link. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them you suspect unauthorized access. They can review your account activity and help you find it further.