What "My SSDI Account" Is and How to Set One Up

My SSDI Account is the Social Security Administration's online portal where you can view your benefit payment history, check your current payment amount, update your address, and manage certain account settings without calling or visiting an office. You create it through Social Security's main website using your email address and a password you choose.

To set up an account, go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" link on the homepage. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo ID and taking a selfie. The identity verification step usually takes a few minutes, though in some cases Social Security may mail you a verification code instead.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime to see information specific to your SSDI case. The account does not replace calling Social Security — some changes still require a phone call or office visit — but it handles the tasks you use most often.

Key Takeaways

  • My SSDI Account lets you view your payment amount, payment history, and representative payee information without calling Social Security.
  • You create the account on ssa.gov using your email, Social Security number, and date of birth, then verify your identity online or by mail.
  • Changing your address, phone number, or direct deposit information can be done through the account; other changes like work activity or living situation still require a phone call.
  • If you have a representative payee managing your benefits, they can create their own account to see the same payment information you see.
  • The account is free and does not affect your benefits or your SSDI status in any way.

What Information You Can View in Your Account

Once logged in, you can see your current monthly benefit amount, the date your benefits started, and a list of all payments Social Security has sent you. The payment history shows the month and year of each payment and the amount, which is useful if you need to verify income for a loan, rental process, or tax return.

You can also see whether you have a representative payee — a person Social Security appointed to manage your benefits on your behalf — and their name and contact information. If you are the payee for someone else's SSDI, you can create your own account and see the same payment information from the payee side.

The account also displays your current address and phone number on file with Social Security. If either is wrong, you can update it directly through the account without calling.

Changes You Can Make Through Your Account

You can update your mailing address and phone number directly in My SSDI Account. These changes take effect when ready and do not require Social Security staff to process them. If you need to change your direct deposit information — the bank account where your payments land — you can do that through the account as well, though the change usually takes one or two payment cycles to show up.

You cannot use the account to report changes in your work activity, living situation, household income, or medical condition. Those changes require a phone call to Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or a visit to your local Social Security office. The reason is that these changes can affect your benefits, so Social Security needs to document them and may need to ask follow-up questions.

If you have a representative payee, you cannot remove them through the account. Removing a payee requires a written request or an office visit.

How to Reset Your Password or Regain Access

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov and select "Forgot your password?" on the login page. Social Security will send you an email with a link to create a new password. The link expires after a set time, so check your email quickly and look in your spam folder if you do not see it.

If you cannot access the email address you used to create the account, or if you forget your username, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. They can help you regain access or create a new account with a different email address.

If your account has been locked due to multiple failed login attempts, wait 24 hours before trying again. You can also call Social Security to unlock it sooner.

Security and Privacy in My SSDI Account

Social Security uses encryption to protect the information in your account, the same technology banks use. Your password should be strong — at least 12 characters, with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and you should not share it with anyone, including Social Security staff or a representative payee.

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 asking for your password or personal information, do not respond. Report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.

If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call Social Security to report the unauthorized access. They can review your account activity and help you find it.

What to Do If You Cannot Use the Online Account

If you do not have internet access, an email address, or a smartphone for identity verification, you do not have to create My SSDI Account. You can continue to manage your benefits by phone or in person. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time, or visit your local Social Security office.

If you have a representative payee or a work incentive plan manager, they can create an account on your behalf and handle account tasks for you. You can ask them to check your payment history or update your address if you prefer not to manage the account yourself.

Some people use a trusted family member or advocate to help them log in and view information. This is acceptable as long as you control the password and know what changes are being made to your account.

How My SSDI Account Connects to Work Incentives and Tax Reporting

Your payment history in My SSDI Account is the official record Social Security uses for tax reporting. If you need to file a tax return, you can read a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099) directly from your account, which shows how much you received in SSDI that year. This form is what you give to a tax preparer or use when filing yourself.

The account does not show information about work incentives like the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) or Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), even if you have one in place. To check the status of a work incentive plan, you need to contact your local Social Security office or call the Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project in your state.

If you are working and earning money, you still need to report your work activity by phone or in person — the account cannot process work reports. Reporting work on time is critical because it affects how much you can earn before your benefits are reduced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use My SSDI Account if I have a representative payee?

Yes. You can create your own account and see your payment information. Your payee can also create a separate account to see the same information from their side. Both accounts show the same payment history and current benefit amount.

What happens if I update my address in My SSDI Account but Social Security has the wrong address on file?

The change you make through the account updates Social Security's records when ready. If you have been missing mail from Social Security because they had the wrong address, call them at 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether any important notices were sent to the old address.

Can I report a change in my work activity through My SSDI Account?

No. Work activity, earnings, and changes in your medical condition or living situation must be reported by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. Reporting work on time is important because it affects your benefit amount.

Is My SSDI Account the same as a my Social Security account?

My SSDI Account is a version of the broader my Social Security account that Social Security created specifically for people receiving SSDI. Both use the same login system, but My SSDI Account shows only information related to your disability benefits.

What should I do if I think someone has accessed my account without permission?

Change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. They can review your account activity, check whether any changes were made, and help you find your account.