What You Need to Log Into My Social Security

To log into your SSDI account on My Social Security, you need a username and password you created when you first registered, or you can use your Social Security number and a one-time code sent to your phone or email. The site does not use your actual Social Security card or a PIN — it uses credentials you set up yourself.

If you have never created an account before, you will need to register first. Registration takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, a valid email address or phone number, and answers to security questions based on your credit history. You do not need to be receiving SSDI benefits yet to create an account — you can register whether you are explore, already receiving payments, or just want to check your record.

My Social Security is the official Social Security Administration portal. It is free and find. No third-party site or phone number can log you in — you must go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount to access your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You log in with a username and password you create, or with your Social Security number and a one-time code texted or emailed to you.
  • Registration requires your Social Security number, a working email or phone number, and answers to security questions based on your credit file.
  • My Social Security is run by the Social Security Administration itself — go to ssa.gov/myaccount, not a third-party site.
  • Once logged in, you can view your SSDI payment amount, check your payment history, update your direct deposit, and see your earnings record.
  • If you forget your password or lose access to your email or phone, you can reset your account using your Social Security number and security questions.

Step-by-Step Login Process

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your web browser. Click the blue "Sign In" button in the upper right. You will see two options: sign in with your username and password, or sign in with your Social Security number.

If you use your username and password, enter both and click "Sign In". If you use your Social Security number instead, enter it, then click "Sign In with Social Security Number". The site will send a one-time code to the email address or phone number on file with your account. Enter that code on the next screen within 15 minutes. You will then be logged in.

Once you are logged in, your dashboard shows your current SSDI payment amount (if you are receiving benefits), your next payment date, and links to view your full payment history, tax information, and earnings record. The site stays logged in for 30 minutes of inactivity, then logs you out automatically for security.

Creating a New Account if You Do Not Have One

If you have never registered on My Social Security, click "Create an account" on the sign-in page. You will need your Social Security number, a valid email address or mobile phone number, and access to whichever one you choose (the site will send a verification code to it). You will also need to answer security questions — these are based on your credit history, so the site pulls information from credit bureaus to generate them.

The security questions ask things like "Which address did you live at in 2015?" or "Which of these was a previous employer?" You must answer them correctly to proceed. If you do not have a credit history or the questions do not match your memory, you can skip this step and verify your identity a different way — the site will offer you the option to upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID instead.

After you complete registration, you will receive a confirmation email or text. Click the link in that message to set up your account. You can then log in with your new username and password.

Resetting Your Password or Regaining Access

If you forget your password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the sign-in page. Enter your Social Security number. The site will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID. Once verified, you can create a new password.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number associated with your account, you will need to verify your identity before you can change it. Use the same process: go to the sign-in page, click "Forgot username or password?", enter your Social Security number, and answer security questions or upload an ID. After verification, you can update your contact information and create a new password.

If you cannot verify your identity online — for example, if you do not have a photo ID or your credit history does not match the security questions — you can visit a local Social Security office in person to reset your account. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID. An employee can verify who you are and help you regain access.

What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In

My Social Security shows your current SSDI benefit amount and your payment schedule. You can view your complete payment history going back several years, see which payments have been deposited and which are pending, and read a benefit verification letter that you can use to prove your income to landlords, lenders, or other organizations.

You can also update your direct deposit information if you want your payments sent to a different bank account. You can view your earnings record — the record of wages you earned each year, which Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. If you spot an error in your earnings record, you can report it through the site or contact Social Security directly.

You cannot change your SSDI benefit amount, request a one-time payment, or report a change in your living situation through My Social Security. For those tasks, you will need to contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office.

Security and Privacy on My Social Security

My Social Security uses encryption to protect your information. Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, birthdate, or name in your password.

The site logs you out automatically after 30 minutes without activity. If you are using a shared computer, always click "Sign Out" when you finish — do not just close the browser. This prevents someone else from accessing your account if they use the same computer afterward.

Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your login information, it is a scam. Do not respond. Report it to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-269-0271.

Troubleshooting Common Login Problems

You see "Invalid username or password": Check that you are typing your username and password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, so make sure Caps Lock is off. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset your account.

You do not receive the one-time code: Check your email spam or junk folder — the code email sometimes lands there. If you are using a phone number, make sure it is the correct number and that your phone can receive text messages. Wait a few minutes; the code can take up to 5 minutes to arrive. If it still does not come, click "Resend code" or try signing in again to request a new one.

You get an error message saying your account is locked: This usually happens after several failed login attempts. Wait 24 hours and try again. If the account remains locked, go to a local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to unlock it.

The site says you are not authorized to view SSDI information: This can happen if you are logged into the wrong account or if your account is not linked to an SSDI record. Make sure you are using the Social Security number associated with your SSDI case. If you are, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your account is set up correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into My Social Security on my phone?

Yes. My Social Security works on phones and tablets. You can use the same username and password you use on a computer. The site is designed to work on smaller screens, though some tasks may be easier on a full-size screen.

What if I do not have an email address or phone number to register with?

You need at least one — either an email address or a mobile phone number — to create an account and receive one-time verification codes. If you do not have either, you can visit a local Social Security office and ask an employee to help you register in person, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask about alternative registration methods.

Is My Social Security the same as my SSDI case number or account number?

No. My Social Security is the online portal where you log in. Your SSDI case is managed by Social Security, but your login account is separate. You use your username and password (or Social Security number and one-time code) to access information about your SSDI case through My Social Security.

Can someone else log into my account if they know my Social Security number?

No. They would also need your password or access to your email or phone to receive the one-time code. That is why it is important to keep your password private and to update your email and phone number if they change.

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

Change your password when ready by going to the sign-in page and clicking "Forgot username or password?". Then contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. They can review your account activity and help you find it.