What you need to sign in to My Social Security

To sign in to My Social Security, you need a username and password that you created when you first set up your account, or a verified identity through Login.gov. You do not need to be receiving SSDI to have a My Social Security account — anyone with a Social Security number can create one.

If you have already set up an account, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password. If you do not remember your password, you can reset it on the same page by clicking "Forgot username or password?" and following the prompts.

If you have never created a My Social Security account before, you will need to verify your identity first. Social Security accepts verification through Login.gov, which uses your email address, phone number, and answers to security questions to confirm who you are. You can also verify in person at a local Social Security office, though this takes longer.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is a free account where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit payment status, and change your address without visiting an office.
  • You sign in with a username and password you create, or by using a verified Login.gov account.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the sign-in page to reset it by email.
  • Verification takes about 5 to 10 minutes online through Login.gov, or you can verify in person at a Social Security office.

Creating a new My Social Security account

To create a new account, visit ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Social Security will send a one-time code to your email or phone to confirm it belongs to you.

After you verify your contact information, you choose a username and password. Your username must be between 8 and 20 characters. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character (like ! or @). Write down your username and password somewhere safe — you will need both to sign in later.

Once you have created your account, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. The fastest way is through Login.gov. You will be asked to confirm your email address, phone number, and answer questions about your personal history (such as previous addresses or loan amounts). This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. After you verify, you can sign in to My Social Security right away.

Using Login.gov to sign in

Login.gov is a find sign-in service run by the federal government. If you have a Login.gov account, you can use it to sign in to My Social Security without remembering a separate username and password. Many people use Login.gov to access multiple government websites with one set of credentials.

To sign in with Login.gov, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Sign in with Login.gov." You will be taken to the Login.gov website, where you enter your Login.gov email and password. If you have set up two-factor authentication on your Login.gov account (which Social Security recommends), you will also need to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app.

If you do not have a Login.gov account yet, you can create one during the sign-in process. Login.gov will verify your identity the same way it does for My Social Security — by confirming your email, phone, and personal history. Once your Login.gov account is verified, you can use it to sign in to My Social Security and many other government websites.

What you can do after you sign in

Once you are signed in to My Social Security, you can view your earnings record, which shows how much you earned each year and how much Social Security tax was taken from your pay. You can also see an estimate of what your retirement, family, or disability benefit would be if you were to claim it today.

You can change your address, phone number, and email address in your account without visiting an office. You can also view the status of any benefit payment you are receiving, including the date it was sent and the amount. If you are receiving SSDI, you can see your payment history and check whether any work you have done has affected your benefit.

My Social Security also lets you request a replacement Social Security card (in most states), view your Social Security Statement, and manage your representative payee account if someone else manages your benefits on your behalf.

If you cannot sign in

If you forget your username, click "Forgot username or password?" on the sign-in page and enter your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will send your username to the email address on file.

If you forget your password, use the same "Forgot username or password?" link and choose the option to reset your password. Social Security will send a reset link to your email. Click the link and create a new password that meets the length and character requirements.

If you cannot remember the email address or phone number you used to create your account, or if you did not verify your identity when you set up the account, you will need to verify in person at a local Social Security office. Bring a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card or tax return), and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or lease). The office can help you regain access to your account or create a new one.

Two-factor authentication and account security

My Social Security can send you a one-time code by text message or email each time you sign in, adding an extra layer of security. This is called two-factor authentication. To turn it on, sign in to your account, go to "Settings," and select "Security." You can choose to receive codes by text or email, or use an authentication app like Google Authenticator.

Two-factor authentication makes it harder for someone else to sign in to your account even if they know your password. Social Security recommends turning it on, especially if you use the same password on other websites.

If you think someone else has signed in to your account, change your password when ready and contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov if you believe your identity has been stolen.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. My Social Security works on phones and tablets. You can use the same username and password, or sign in with Login.gov. The website is designed to work on small screens, though some features may be easier to use on a computer.

What if I set up an account years ago and do not remember my password?

Click "Forgot username or password?" on the sign-in page and follow the prompts to reset your password by email. If you cannot access the email address you used to create the account, you will need to verify in person at a Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number.

Is My Social Security the same as the Social Security website?

No. The Social Security website (ssa.gov) has general information about benefits and programs. My Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount) is your personal account where you can view your own earnings record and benefit information. You need to sign in to access My Social Security.

Can I sign in if I am outside the United States?

Yes. My Social Security is available from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. You sign in the same way whether you are in the U.S. or abroad.

What should I do if I see activity in my account that I did not do?

Change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. If you believe your identity has been stolen, file a report at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report with the three major credit bureaus.