What you need to log into your disability account
To access your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) account online, you log in through my Social Security, which is Social Security's official account portal. You do not use a separate disability login — disability beneficiaries and retirement beneficiaries use the same system.
You will need either a my Social Security username and password, or a Login.gov account. Login.gov is a government-wide sign-in system that works across multiple federal agencies. Both routes lead to the same account and the same information.
If you do not yet have either account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where Social Security can reach you if needed.
Key Takeaways
- You log into your SSDI or SSI account through my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount, using either a my Social Security password or a Login.gov account.
- You can view your benefit payment amount, payment history, and the date your next payment posts without logging in, by calling 1-800-772-1213.
- To change your address, bank account, or phone number, you must log in; you cannot make these changes by phone or mail.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it when ready through the my Social Security website without calling Social Security.
- Two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email) protects your account and is required each time you log in from a new device.
Creating a my Social Security account for the first time
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. Social Security uses these to verify your identity. The email address becomes your username.
After you enter this information, Social Security sends a verification code to your email. You enter that code on the website to confirm you own the email address. Then you create a password — Social Security requires at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a symbol.
Once your account is created, you can log in when ready. On your first login, Social Security may ask you security questions (such as "What was the name of your first pet?") to confirm your identity. Answer these truthfully — they become part of your account security.
What you can see and do after logging in
Once logged in, you can view your current monthly benefit amount, your payment history for the past 12 months, and the date your next payment will post to your bank account. You can also see the address and phone number Social Security has on file for you.
You can change your mailing address, email address, or phone number directly in your account. You can also update your direct deposit information if you want your payments to go to a different bank account. These changes take effect within one to three business days.
You cannot change your name, date of birth, or Social Security number through my Social Security. If any of this information is wrong, you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office in person with proof of the correct information.
Using Login.gov instead of a my Social Security password
Login.gov is an alternative way to sign into my Social Security without creating a separate my Social Security password. If you already have a Login.gov account (used for IRS, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, or other federal services), you can link it to your Social Security account.
To use Login.gov, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Sign in with Login.gov." You will be taken to Login.gov, where you enter your Login.gov email and password. Login.gov then confirms your identity using two-factor authentication — a code sent to your phone or email.
After Login.gov confirms who you are, you are taken back to my Social Security and logged into your account. You do not need to remember a separate Social Security password. If you forget your Login.gov password, you reset it on the Login.gov website, not on Social Security's site.
Troubleshooting login problems
If you forget your my Social Security password, select "Forgot your password?" on the login page. Social Security sends a reset link to your email address. Click the link, and you can create a new password when ready — you do not have to call or wait.
If you do not receive the reset email, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, your email address on file may be wrong. Call 1-800-772-1213 and confirm your email address with a representative, then try the password reset again.
If you are locked out of your account after too many failed login attempts, wait 30 minutes and try again. If you continue to have trouble, call 1-800-772-1213. A representative can confirm your identity and help you regain access.
If you are using Login.gov and cannot log in, the problem is usually with your Login.gov account, not your Social Security account. Go to login.gov and use their password reset or contact options. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to confirm your account is linked correctly to Login.gov.
Security and two-factor authentication
Every time you log in from a new device or browser, Social Security requires two-factor authentication. You receive a code by text message or email (whichever you chose when you set up your account), and you enter that code on the login page. This prevents someone else from accessing your account even if they know your password.
If you do not receive the code, wait a few minutes — text messages can be delayed. If it still does not arrive, select "Did not receive a code?" and Social Security will send it to your email instead. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to help you log in.
Do not share your password or two-factor authentication codes with anyone, including Social Security staff. Social Security employees will never ask for your password. If someone claiming to be from Social Security asks for it, hang up — it is a scam.
What to do if you cannot or do not want to use online login
You do not have to use my Social Security to manage your account. You can call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time, and a representative can tell you your benefit amount, payment date, and address on file. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person.
By phone, you can request a replacement Social Security card, report a change of address, or ask questions about your benefits. You cannot change your bank account information or email address by phone — those changes require you to log in online or visit an office in person.
If you are over 75 or have a disability that makes using the website difficult, Social Security can arrange a phone appointment at a time that works for you. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Social Security account the same for SSDI and SSI?
Yes. If you receive SSDI, SSI, or both, you log into one account at ssa.gov/myaccount. The account shows all benefits you receive from Social Security. You do not have separate logins for different benefit types.
Can I let someone else log into my account for me?
You can authorize a representative payee or a power of attorney to manage your account, but they would need to log in with their own credentials after Social Security sets up that permission. Do not share your password with anyone. If you need help managing your account, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about representative payee or power of attorney options.
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 at gmail.com, outlook.com, or yahoo.com in about five minutes. After that, you can set up your my Social Security account. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to manage your account by phone.
Will logging into my Social Security affect my benefits?
No. Logging in and viewing your account does not change your benefits, trigger a review, or affect your payments. You can log in as often as you want without any consequences.
How do I report a change of address after I log in?
After logging in, select "Profile" or "Personal Information," then find the option to update your mailing address. Enter your new address and select "Save." The change takes effect within one to three business days. Social Security will mail future notices to your new address.