Where to find the Social Security login page

The official Social Security Administration website is ssa.gov. To log in, go to the homepage and look for the "Sign In" button in the top right corner. This takes you to a page where you can access your account using credentials you've already created, or start the process of creating one if you haven't yet.

The Social Security Administration does not send unsolicited emails asking you to log in or verify your information. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security asking you to click a link and sign in, do not click it — that is a phishing attempt. Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Social Security login page is at ssa.gov, accessed through the "Sign In" button on the homepage.
  • You will need either a Social Security number and password, or a username and password, depending on which account type you created.
  • If you do not have an account yet, you can create one on the same login page by selecting the option to register.
  • The Social Security Administration will never email you asking you to log in or verify your account — emails like that are scams.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page without calling Social Security.

What you need before you log in

To log in to your Social Security account, you will need either a username and password or a Social Security number and password, depending on which type of account you created. If you set up your account years ago, you may have a username. If you created it more recently, you may have registered using your Social Security number instead.

You will also need access to the email address or phone number you used when you created your account. The Social Security Administration uses these to send you security codes if you log in from a new device or location, or if you need to reset your password.

Creating a new account if you don't have one

If you have never logged into Social Security online before, you will need to create an account first. On the ssa.gov login page, select the option to create a new account. You will be asked to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number.

The Social Security Administration will send a verification code to your email or phone. You enter that code to confirm you own the email address or phone number. After that, you create a username and password, and your account is ready to use. The whole process takes about 10 minutes.

You can also create an account in person at your local Social Security office if you prefer not to do it online. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID.

Logging in from a new device or location

The first time you log in from a new computer, phone, or location, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity using a security code. The code is sent to the email address or phone number on file for your account. You enter the code on the login page to complete the sign-in.

If you do not receive the code, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes email providers filter these messages by mistake. If you still do not see it, you can ask Social Security to send the code to your phone instead, or vice versa.

Resetting your password

If you forget your password, select the "Forgot your password?" link on the ssa.gov login page. You will be asked to enter your username or Social Security number and your date of birth. Social Security will then send a password reset link to your email address or a code to your phone.

Click the link in the email or enter the code on the website, and you will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Your new password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @.

What you can do once you're logged in

Once you log in to your Social Security account, you can view your earnings record, which shows how much you earned in each year of your working life. This is the record Social Security uses to calculate your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. You can also see an estimate of your retirement benefits at different ages, or your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments.

You can change your address or phone number, request a replacement Social Security card, and view your benefit payment history. If you receive benefits, you can also see the amount of your next payment and the date it will arrive.

If you can't log in or need help

If you are locked out of your account after too many incorrect password attempts, wait 30 minutes and try again. If you still cannot log in, use the password reset process described above.

If you need help with your account or have questions about your benefits, you can call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. They are open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Social Security website find?

Yes. The official ssa.gov website uses encryption to protect your information. Always make sure you are on ssa.gov and not a lookalike website before entering your password. Look for the padlock symbol in your browser's address bar.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in there.

What if I don't remember my username?

On the login page, select "Forgot your username?" and enter your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will send your username to your email address or phone number.

Can someone else log into my account?

No. Only you can log in using your username and password. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Do I need to create a separate account for my spouse or children?

Yes. Each person needs their own Social Security account with their own username and password. You cannot manage another person's account, even if you are their representative payee.