Getting Started With Your Social Security Account
You can log into 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 enter your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will create one first. The whole process takes about 10 minutes the first time.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount by providing your Social Security number, email address, and other identifying information.
- The site uses a two-step verification process: you enter your username and password, then confirm your identity a second way before you can see your information.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings history, see your estimated benefits, and update your phone number or mailing address.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or by answering security questions you set up when you created your account.
Creating Your Account for the First Time
Start by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking the button to create a new account. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number. Have these ready before you begin.
The Social Security Administration will ask you to verify who you are. This usually means answering questions about your credit history — things like which bank you had a loan with or what your car payment was. These questions come from your credit file, so you need to answer them exactly as they appear in your credit report. If you do not have a credit history or the questions do not match what you remember, you may not be able to finish online; in that case, you can visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213.
Once you pass the identity check, you will create a username and password. Write these down somewhere safe. Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to be your name or Social Security number.
Logging In and Using Two-Step Verification
After your account is created, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password. The site will then ask you to verify your identity a second time before showing you your information. This is called two-step verification, and it is a security step that happens every time you log in.
You will be asked to confirm your identity using one of these methods: a code sent to your email address, a code sent to your phone as a text message, or security questions you answered when you set up your account. Choose whichever method is easiest for you. Enter the code or answer the question, and you will be logged in.
If you choose to use your phone number for text codes, make sure the number you registered is one you check regularly. If you change your phone number, you can update it in your account settings so codes still reach you.
What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In
Once you are logged in, you can see your Social Security earnings record — the wages and self-employment income the Social Security Administration has on file for you. Check this for accuracy, because it affects how much your benefit will be. If you spot an error, you can report it through the website or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
You can also view your estimated benefit amount. This is what Social Security projects you will receive per month if you start benefits at a certain age. The site shows estimates for different ages so you can see how waiting affects your payment. Keep in mind these are estimates based on your current earnings record and do not account for future work or changes in Social Security law.
You can update your contact information — your phone number, mailing address, or email address — without leaving your house. You can also set up a replacement Social Security card to be mailed to you, though some states do this through their own offices instead.
Resetting Your Password If You Forget It
If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the link that says you forgot your password. You will be asked to enter your username and email address. The Social Security Administration will send a password reset link to your email. Click that link and create a new password.
If you do not have access to the email address you registered with, you can reset your password by answering the security questions you set up when you created your account. You will need to enter your username and Social Security number, then answer at least two of the questions correctly.
If you cannot remember your security questions or do not have access to your email, you will need to verify your identity in person. Visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to set up a new account or regain access to your existing one.
Troubleshooting Login Problems
If you enter your username and password but the site says they are incorrect, make sure you are typing them exactly as you created them. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters and lowercase letters are different. If you are still stuck, use the password reset option described above.
If the site will not let you complete the two-step verification — for example, you are not receiving text codes or the security questions do not match your memory — you may need to verify your identity in a different way. Call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access or create a new account.
If the website itself is not loading, try a different web browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies. The Social Security Administration sometimes performs maintenance on the site, usually at night or on weekends, so if the site is down, try again in a few hours.
Keeping Your Account find
Use a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your name, birth date, or Social Security number in your password. Do not share your username or password with anyone, including Social Security staff — they will never ask for this information.
Log out of your account when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. You can also set a time limit for how long the site will stay logged in before automatically signing you out. Check your account settings to adjust this if you want.
If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password right away and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report by contacting one of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
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 optional and just makes it easier to check your information and manage your account from home. You can still call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person.
What if I do not have a credit history to verify my identity?
If you cannot answer the credit history questions during account creation, visit your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your address. A representative can verify your identity in person and help you set up your account, or they can help you access your information without an online account.
Can I use my my Social Security account to file for benefits?
You can start the process online, but you may need to finish it by phone or in person depending on your situation. The website will tell you if you can complete your claim entirely online or if you need to speak with a representative.
Is my Social Security account safe?
The Social Security Administration uses encryption and two-step verification to protect your account. However, no website is completely risk-free. Use a strong password, log out when finished, and do not access your account on public WiFi networks.
Can I change my benefit amount or start date through my account?
No. You can view your estimated benefits and see how different start ages affect your payment, but you cannot actually claim benefits or change your benefit amount through the website. To file for benefits or make changes to an existing claim, you will need to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office.