How to Access Your Social Security Account
You can log in to your Social Security account through a website called my Social Security, which is run by the Social Security Administration. The site lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your contact information — all without calling or visiting an office.
To log in, you go to ssa.gov/myaccount and use either a Social Security username and password you created earlier, or you can sign in with a Login.gov account instead. If you do not have either one yet, you will create them during your first visit.
Key Takeaways
- You access your Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using either a Social Security username or a Login.gov account.
- First-time users must verify their identity by answering security questions or letting the site text them a code to their phone.
- Once logged in, you can see your earnings history, view your benefit statement, and update your address or phone number.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page without calling Social Security.
- You do not need to create a separate account for a spouse or adult child — each person logs in with their own information.
Creating a Social Security Username and Password
If you have never logged in before, you will create a username and password the first time you visit ssa.gov/myaccount. Choose a username you will remember — it does not have to match your name. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @.
After you create your username and password, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. This usually means answering security questions about your personal history — things like the name of your first pet or the city where you were born. You answer correctly, and your account is ready to use.
If Social Security cannot verify you through security questions, it will offer to send a code to your phone by text or call. You enter that code on the website, and your account is set up. This step protects your account from someone else trying to access it.
Using Login.gov Instead of a Social Security Username
Login.gov is a separate government sign-in service that works with many federal agencies. If you already have a Login.gov account from another government website — the IRS, Veterans Affairs, or others — you can use that same account to log in to my Social Security.
To sign in with Login.gov, click the "Sign in with Login.gov" button on the my Social Security login page. You enter your Login.gov email and password, and you are taken directly to your Social Security account. You do not create a separate Social Security username this way.
If you do not have a Login.gov account yet, you can create one on login.gov. You will need an email address and a phone number that can receive text messages. Login.gov will send you a code to verify your phone, and then you set up your password. After that, you can use Login.gov to sign in to my Social Security and other government sites.
What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In
Once you are inside your account, you can see your Social Security earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This record is important because your benefits are based on your earnings history. You can check it to make sure it is correct.
You can also view your benefit statement, which shows an estimate of what your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits might be. The statement includes estimates at different ages if you are not yet retired. You can print or read this statement to keep for your records.
You can update your address, phone number, and email address in your account. You can also change your password, add a backup phone number for security, or remove access if you think someone else has your login information. These changes take effect right away.
If You Forget Your Password
On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot username or password?" and then select "Forgot password?" Enter your username, and Social Security will send you a link by email. Click that link, answer a security question, and you can create a new password.
If you do not remember your username, click "Forgot username?" instead. Social Security will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth, then email your username to you. You can then use the "Forgot password?" process to reset your password.
If you cannot receive email or text messages, or if you cannot answer the security questions, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to reset your account. Have your Social Security number and proof of identity ready when you call.
Troubleshooting Common Login Problems
If you see a message that your username or password is wrong, make sure you are typing it correctly — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot password?" link to reset it.
If the website says it cannot verify your identity, it may be because the information you entered does not match Social Security's records exactly. Try again carefully, paying attention to spelling and dates. If you still cannot verify, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you set up your account over the phone.
If you see an error message like "Service Temporarily Unavailable," the website may be down for maintenance. Social Security usually does maintenance work at night or on weekends. Try again in a few minutes or a few hours.
Keeping Your Account find
Use a password you do not use on any other website. If someone gets your Social Security login, they can see your earnings record and benefit information. Do not share your password with anyone, including family members or Social Security employees — Social Security will never ask for your password.
If you use a public computer at a library or internet café, log out completely when you are done. Do not check the box that says "Remember me" on public computers. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password right away and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a my Social Security account to get benefits?
No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is just a way to check your information and make changes without calling or visiting an office. You can still call 1-800-772-1213 or go to your local Social Security office if you prefer.
Can my spouse or child log in to my account?
No. Each person has their own separate account and logs in with their own username or Login.gov account. If you are managing benefits for a minor child or someone who cannot manage their own account, you may be able to set up a representative payee account, but that is a different process — call Social Security to ask about it.
What if I do not have a phone number to verify my identity?
If you cannot receive text messages or phone calls, you can still verify your identity by answering security questions instead. If you cannot answer those either, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you create your account.
Is my Social Security information safe on the website?
The my Social Security website uses encryption and security measures to protect your information. However, no website is completely risk-free. Never share your password, and log out when you are done, especially on a shared computer.
Can I change my benefit amount or when I start receiving benefits through my account?
No. You can view your benefit estimates and update your contact information, but you cannot change your benefit amount or start date through the website. To make those changes, you need to contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office.