You need a login method Social Security recognizes to see your account online
Social Security does not have its own login system. Instead, you sign in through login.gov, a shared federal account system that works across multiple government agencies. You create one login.gov account, and that same username and password opens your Social Security records, Medicare information, and other federal services.
The Social Security Administration stopped managing its own passwords years ago and moved everyone to login.gov. This means you cannot create a Social Security-specific username anymore — you must go through login.gov first, then you are directed to your Social Security account.
You have three ways to prove who you are when you set up login.gov: a photo ID and Social Security number, a phone number and email address, or an existing account from another federal agency like the Veterans Administration or IRS.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security accounts are accessed through login.gov, not through a Social Security website directly.
- You create a login.gov account using your email address, phone number, and photo ID or Social Security number.
- After you set up login.gov, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, and change your address or phone number.
- If you forget your password, login.gov has a recovery process that sends a link to your email or phone.
- You do not need to create a new account if you already have one through another federal agency like the IRS or VA.
Steps to create a login.gov account
Go to login.gov and click "Create an account." Enter your email address, then create a password at least 12 characters long. Login.gov will send you a confirmation email — click the link in that email within 24 hours.
Next, you choose how to verify your identity. The fastest route is to upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID and enter your Social Security number. Login.gov scans the ID and checks it against government records. This usually takes a few minutes, though sometimes it takes a few hours.
If you do not have a photo ID or prefer not to upload one, you can verify using your phone number instead. Login.gov will text you a code, and you enter that code to confirm you own the phone number. This method is slower — it can take several days because login.gov mails you a letter with a second code to confirm your address.
Once your identity is verified, you are done setting up login.gov. You can now sign in at login.gov and select "Social Security" from the list of agencies to view your account.
What you can do once you are signed in
Your Social Security account shows your earnings record — the wages you reported to Social Security each year. You can check this record to make sure it is correct, because Social Security uses your earnings history to calculate your benefit amount. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through your account or by calling Social Security directly.
You can also see an estimate of your retirement benefit, your disability benefit (if you have applied), or your survivor benefit (what your family would receive if you died). These estimates change as you age and earn more income, so you can check back each year to see the updated number.
Your account lets you change your address, phone number, or email address without calling Social Security. You can also request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or stolen, though some states let you do this through the DMV instead.
You cannot file for benefits through your online account — you still need to call Social Security or visit a local office to start receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. But you can track the status of an process you have already started.
If you already have an account with another federal agency
If you have already created a login.gov account to access your IRS tax records, your VA benefits, your Medicare account, or your federal employee records, you can use that same login to access Social Security. You do not need a second account.
Sign in at login.gov with your existing username and password, then select "Social Security" from the agency list. Your identity was already verified when you set up that first account, so you can see your Social Security information right away.
Troubleshooting a forgotten password or locked account
If you forget your password, go to login.gov and click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address or phone number, and login.gov sends you a reset link. Click the link within 24 hours and create a new password.
If you enter your password wrong too many times, login.gov locks your account for 30 minutes as a security measure. Wait 30 minutes, then try signing in again. If you are still locked out after waiting, use the "Forgot your password?" link to reset it.
If you cannot receive emails or texts because your phone number or email address has changed, you will need to verify your identity again. Go to login.gov, click "Forgot your password?", and follow the prompts to update your contact information. You may be asked to upload a photo ID again.
Security and protecting your account
Login.gov requires a strong password — at least 12 characters, with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password you use for email, banking, or other accounts. If someone hacks one service, they can access all your accounts if the passwords are the same.
Do not share your login.gov password with anyone, including Social Security employees or family members. Social Security will never ask for your password by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam.
You can add extra security to your account by setting up two-factor authentication. This means login.gov sends you a code by text or email every time you sign in, and you have to enter that code before you can access your account. This makes it much harder for someone to break in even if they have your password.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign into Social Security without creating a login.gov account?
No. Social Security no longer has its own login system. Everyone must use login.gov to access their Social Security account online. This is the only way to view your earnings record or benefit estimate through the Social Security website.
How long does it take to verify my identity on login.gov?
If you upload a photo ID, verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. If you verify by phone number, it takes several days because login.gov mails you a confirmation letter. Plan ahead if you need to access your account quickly.
What if I do not have a photo ID to upload?
You can verify your identity using your phone number instead. Login.gov texts you a code, and then mails you a letter with a second code. This method takes longer but does not require a photo ID.
Can I file for Social Security benefits through my online account?
No. You can view your benefit estimate and track an process you have already started, but you cannot file for benefits online. You must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office to start receiving retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
Is login.gov safe to use with my Social Security information?
Login.gov is run by the federal government and uses encryption to protect your information. However, no system is completely risk-free. Use a strong password, do not share it, and consider setting up two-factor authentication for extra security.