What you need to sign in to Social Security online
To sign in to your Social Security account, you go to ssa.gov and use a username and password you create, or you sign in through a third-party account like Google, Facebook, or Apple ID. You do not need to visit an office or call — the entire sign-in process happens on the website or through the Social Security mobile app.
Before you try to sign in for the first time, have your Social Security number and a valid email address ready. You will also need to verify your identity, which means answering security questions about your personal history or receiving a code by text or email.
If you already have a my Social Security account, you can sign in right away. If you do not have one yet, you will create it during your first visit to ssa.gov.
Key Takeaways
- You sign in at ssa.gov using a username and password you create, or through an existing Google, Facebook, or Apple account.
- Identity verification happens the first time you sign in and may involve answering security questions or receiving a code by text or email.
- Once signed in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it on the sign-in page using your email address or phone number.
- The Social Security mobile app lets you sign in the same way and access many of the same features as the website.
Creating a new my Social Security account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button to create an account. You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will send a verification code to that email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on the website to confirm the address is yours.
Next, you create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose and does not have to be your real name. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or @). Write down your username and password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store them.
After that, Social Security asks you to verify your identity by answering questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or family members' names. These questions pull from public records and credit reports, so answer based on what you actually did or what actually happened, not what you think the answer should be.
Signing in with a third-party account
Instead of creating a username and password, you can sign in using Google, Facebook, or Apple ID. On the ssa.gov sign-in page, look for the buttons labeled with these company names. Click the one you use, and you will be taken to that company's sign-in page. Enter your credentials there, and you will be sent back to Social Security.
The first time you use a third-party account to sign in, Social Security still asks you to verify your identity with security questions. After that, signing in is faster because you only have to log in to Google, Facebook, or Apple — you do not enter a separate Social Security password.
This method works well if you already use one of these accounts and want to avoid remembering another password. However, if you ever lose access to that third-party account, you will need to sign in with your Social Security username and password instead, so keep that information safe even if you do not use it regularly.
What to do if you forget your password
On the ssa.gov sign-in page, click "Forgot username or password?" You will see options to reset using your email address or phone number. Choose whichever you have access to right now.
If you choose email, Social Security sends a link to the email address on file. Click that link within 24 hours, and you will be taken to a page where you create a new password. If you choose phone, you receive a text message with a code — enter that code on the website, and you can then create a new password.
If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used when you created your account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). They can help you regain access, though you will need to answer security questions to prove your identity over the phone.
Signing in on the Social Security mobile app
The Social Security mobile app is available for iPhone and Android. read it from the App Store or Google Play, open it, and tap "Sign In." You can use the same username and password you created on ssa.gov, or sign in with Google, Facebook, or Apple ID the same way you would on the website.
The app shows many of the same features as the website: your earnings record, your benefit statement, your payment history, and options to change your address or phone number. Some people find the app easier to use on a phone because the buttons are larger and the layout is designed for a smaller screen.
If you sign in on the app and later sign in on the website, you are using the same account — changes you make in one place show up in the other. You do not need separate usernames or passwords for the app and the website.
What you can do after you sign in
Once you are signed in, you can view your earnings record, which shows how much you earned each year and how much Social Security tax you paid. You can also see your benefit statement, which estimates how much you will receive each month if you start benefits at different ages.
You can change your address, phone number, or email address without visiting an office. You can also set up or change your direct deposit information so your benefits go straight to your bank account. If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment history and see when your next payment arrives.
You cannot explore for benefits online through your account — you still need to call Social Security or visit an office to start receiving benefits. However, having an account makes it much faster because Social Security already has your information on file.
Troubleshooting sign-in problems
If you enter your username and password but the website says they are wrong, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing them exactly as you created them. Passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset.
If you created your account but cannot sign in, you may not have completed the identity verification step. Go back to ssa.gov and look for a message telling you to finish verifying your identity. Answer the security questions again, and you should be able to sign in.
If the website is very slow or will not load, try a different web browser or wait a few minutes and try again. Social Security's website sometimes has maintenance windows, usually at night or on weekends. If the problem continues, call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone who can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Social Security account safe?
Social Security uses encryption to protect your information when you sign in, the same technology banks use. However, you should never share your username, password, or Social Security number with anyone. Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone.
Can I sign in from my phone?
Yes, you can sign in on any device with a web browser — phone, tablet, or computer. The website works on mobile browsers, and there is also an official Social Security mobile app for iPhone and Android that may be easier to use on a small screen.
What if I do not have an email address?
You need an email address to create a my Social Security account because Social Security sends a verification code to that address. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account at Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook, then use that to sign up for Social Security.
Can I sign in if I am outside the United States?
Yes, you can sign in to your account from anywhere in the world as long as you have internet access. Your account works the same way whether you are in the U.S. or abroad.
Do I have to create an account to check my benefits?
You do not have to create an account to see a general estimate of your benefits — Social Security has a benefits calculator on its website that anyone can use. However, to see your personal earnings record and your specific benefit statement, you need to sign in to your account.