What You Need to Sign In
To sign into your Social Security account online, you need a username and password you created when you first set up your account, or a login method you chose during setup. Social Security does not send you a username or password by mail — you create both yourself during registration.
If you have never created an online account before, you will need to register first. Registration requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. You can register at ssa.gov/myaccount without logging in.
If you already have an account but cannot remember your username or password, Social Security offers recovery options on the login page itself. You can reset your password using your email address or answer security questions you set up during registration.
Key Takeaways
- You create your own username and password when you register — Social Security does not assign them to you.
- You can reset a forgotten password on the login page using your email address or security questions.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security step after you enter your password, using a code sent to your phone or email.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, and change your address or phone number.
- If you cannot reset your password online, you can visit a Social Security office in person with a photo ID.
Steps to Log In to Your Account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your web browser. On the login page, enter the username or email address you used when you registered. Then enter your password and select the "Sign In" button.
After you enter your password, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity a second time. This is called two-factor authentication. You will receive a code by text message or email, depending on what you chose during setup. Enter that code on the screen and select "Verify." Once verified, you will be logged into your account.
If you see an error message saying your username or password is incorrect, check that you typed it exactly as you created it — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are treated as different. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page.
Resetting Your Password Online
On the Social Security login page, select "Forgot username or password?" You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will then show you the username associated with your account.
To reset your password, you have two options. The first is to enter the email address you used when you registered — Social Security will send you a link to create a new password. The second is to answer the security questions you set up during registration. Answer at least two of them correctly, and you can create a new password right away.
Your new password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character (such as ! @ # $ % ^ & *). Write down your new password in a safe place, or use a password manager to store it.
What to Do If You Cannot Reset Your Password
If you do not have access to the email address you registered with, or you cannot remember the answers to your security questions, you cannot reset your password online. In this case, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person.
Bring a photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport) and your Social Security card if you have it. A Social Security representative will verify your identity and help you regain access to your account. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security can provide an interpreter at your office visit — call ahead to arrange this.
What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In
Once logged in, you can view your earnings record — a list of all the wages you earned and taxes you paid into Social Security. This record is used to calculate your benefit amount. You can check it for errors and report any missing or incorrect earnings.
You can also view your current benefit amount if you are already receiving benefits, or an estimate of what you might receive when you reach retirement age. You can change your address, phone number, or email address on file. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, you can view your payment schedule and the amount of each payment.
You can also request a replacement Social Security card (in most states), view your tax return information, and change your password or security questions. You cannot file a new benefits claim online through your account — you must do that through a separate process process.
Staying Safe When You Log In
Always go to ssa.gov directly by typing the address into your browser. Do not click links in emails or text messages that claim to be from Social Security — scammers often send fake messages that look official. Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone.
Use a strong, unique password that you do not use on any other website. If someone else uses your computer, log out when you are done — do not leave your account open. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
If you use a public computer (such as one at a library), do not save your password when the browser asks. Log out completely before you leave the computer, and clear your browser history if the computer allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Social Security number instead of a username to log in?
No. You must use the username you created during registration, or you can use the email address you registered with. Social Security does not allow you to log in using only your Social Security number for security reasons.
What if I registered but never finished setting up my account?
If you started registration but did not complete it, you will need to register again from the beginning. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
How long does it take to register for an account?
Registration usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if you have your Social Security number and a valid email address ready. You will create your username and password during this process, and you can log in when ready after you finish.
Can someone else log into my account if they know my username and password?
They would also need the second verification code that Social Security sends to your phone or email. If you think someone knows your password, change it right away. If you think someone has accessed your account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
What should I do if the website says my account is locked?
Your account locks temporarily after several incorrect password attempts. Wait 24 hours and try again, or use the password reset option on the login page. If it remains locked after 24 hours, visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213.