What you need to log into your SSDI account

To view your SSDI information online, you log in through My Social Security, which is Social Security's official website portal. You do not log in through a separate SSDI-only site — all Social Security programs, including SSDI, use the same account.

You will need either a username and password you created before, or you can use an existing account from another government service. Social Security accepts login credentials from Login.gov, ID.me, or your existing My Social Security account if you set one up in the past.

Before you try to log in, have your Social Security number and a way to receive a security code ready. Social Security sends codes by text message or email to verify your identity, so you will need access to the phone number or email address you registered with your account.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is the only official place to view your SSDI benefit information online.
  • You can log in with a My Social Security account, a Login.gov account, or an ID.me account — whichever you set up first.
  • Social Security will send a security code to your phone or email each time you log in, so you need access to both your registered contact information and your Social Security number.
  • If you cannot remember your password or do not have an account yet, you can create one on the My Social Security homepage without calling Social Security.

Creating a new My Social Security account

If you have never logged in before, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will choose whether to create a My Social Security username and password, or to use Login.gov or ID.me instead. Creating an account through Login.gov or ID.me is often faster because those services verify your identity using different methods.

Social Security will ask you to confirm your identity by answering questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit accounts. These questions come from your credit file, so you need to answer them exactly as they appear in your credit report, not as you remember them.

Once you pass the identity check, you can set a username and password (if you chose that route) or finish linking your Login.gov or ID.me account. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will then receive a confirmation email.

What to do if you forget your password

On the My Social Security login page, select "Forgot username or password?" and enter your Social Security number. Social Security will send you a link by email that lets you reset your password without answering security questions again.

If you do not receive the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If the email never arrives, you can create a new account instead — Social Security allows multiple accounts per person, though you can only view one at a time when you log in.

If you used Login.gov or ID.me to log in originally, you do not have a My Social Security password to reset. Instead, go to Login.gov or ID.me directly and reset your password through that service, then use those credentials to log into My Social Security again.

What you can see and do after you log in

Once logged in, you can view your current SSDI benefit amount, your payment history, and the date your next payment arrives. You can also see your Social Security Statement, which shows your earnings record and estimates what other benefits you might receive in the future.

You can change your direct deposit information, update your address, and report a change in your living situation — such as moving in with someone else or a change in your work status. You can also read a benefit verification letter, which some employers or landlords ask for as proof of your income.

You cannot file a new SSDI claim through My Social Security. To start an SSDI claim, you must either call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit a local Social Security office in person, or file online through ssa.gov/benefits/disability/how-to-file.html.

Security codes and two-factor verification

Every time you log in, Social Security sends a six-digit security code to your phone by text message or to your email, depending on what you chose when you set up your account. You must enter this code on the screen after you type your username and password.

This two-step process means that even if someone knows your password, they cannot access your account without also having your phone or email. If you do not receive the code within a minute or two, you can request a new one, or you can choose to have it sent to your email instead if you originally chose text.

If you change your phone number or email address, log in and update your contact information in the account settings right away. If you lose access to the phone number or email on file, you will not be able to log in until you update it, and you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to do so.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see a message that your identity could not be verified, it usually means your answers to the security questions did not match your credit file exactly. Try logging in again and pay close attention to spelling, dates, and dollar amounts. If you still cannot pass the identity check after three attempts, you will be locked out for 24 hours.

If you see an error message saying your account is locked or suspended, it may mean Social Security detected unusual activity. Call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative, who can unlock your account and confirm it is really you trying to log in.

If the My Social Security website is very slow or you see an error page, the site may be down for maintenance. Social Security typically performs maintenance on Tuesday nights and early Wednesday mornings. Try again in a few hours, or call 1-800-772-1213 if you need information right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else log into my SSDI account for me?

No. Only you can log in with your username and password. If you are unable to log in yourself due to disability or age, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and speak with a representative who can answer questions about your account over the phone. If you want someone to manage your account permanently, you would need to set up a representative payee or power of attorney through Social Security, which is a separate legal process.

Is My Social Security safe to use on my phone?

Yes. My Social Security works on phones and tablets, and the security code requirement means your account is protected even if you use public Wi-Fi. However, only log in through the official Social Security website (ssa.gov) or the official Social Security mobile app. Do not log in through links in emails or texts, even if they look like they came from Social Security.

What if I never set up an online account and do not want to?

You do not have to use My Social Security. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) to ask about your SSDI benefits, or visit a local Social Security office in person. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Can I use the same login for other government websites?

If you created your account through Login.gov or ID.me, yes — you can use those same credentials to log into other federal websites that accept them. If you created a username and password just for My Social Security, that login only works for Social Security.