Where to log in and what you'll need
The official Social Security login is at ssa.gov, specifically at the "my Social Security" portal. This is the only login run directly by the Social Security Administration. You create a username and password there, and that account lets you view your earnings record, check benefit payment dates, and print benefit verification letters.
Before you log in for the first time, gather your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number where you can receive a text message. Social Security uses these to verify your identity. You will also need to answer security questions based on information from your credit file — questions like which address you lived at in a certain year, or which lender you borrowed from.
The login process takes about 10 minutes the first time. After that, you can log in with just your username and password, though Social Security may ask you to verify your identity again if you log in from a new device or location.
Key Takeaways
- The real Social Security login is only at ssa.gov/myaccount — do not use any other website, even if it appears in a search result.
- You need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number that can receive text messages to create an account.
- Social Security will ask you security questions based on your credit history to confirm your identity before you can log in.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, see when your next payment arrives, and print a benefit verification letter.
- If you cannot answer the security questions, you can verify your identity by mail or phone instead of online.
Step-by-step: Creating your first login
Go to ssa.gov and look for the link that says "my Social Security" — it is usually near the top of the page. Click it and select "Create an account." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and email address. Social Security will send a verification code to that email; enter the code to confirm the email is real.
Next, you will create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to be your name. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @. Write this password down somewhere safe, or use a password manager.
Social Security will then ask you to verify your phone number by sending a code via text message. Enter that code, and you will move to the identity verification step. You will answer five to ten questions about your credit history — things like "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" or "Which bank issued your car loan?" If you answer them correctly, your account is created when ready.
What to do if you cannot answer the security questions
If you do not have a credit history, or if you answer the security questions incorrectly, Social Security will not let you finish creating your account online. In that case, you have two other options: verify by mail or verify by phone.
To verify by mail, Social Security will mail you a letter with a code. You return the letter with the code, and your account is activated. This takes two to three weeks. To verify by phone, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and a representative will ask you questions to confirm your identity. Once verified by phone, your account is active the same day.
What you can do once you are logged in
After you log in, you can view your Social Security earnings record — the list of years you worked and how much you earned each year. This record is used to calculate your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for errors. If you spot a year where your earnings are wrong, you can report it to Social Security through the portal or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
You can also see the date your next benefit payment will arrive, view your payment history for the past 12 months, and change the bank account or address where your payments go. If you are not yet receiving benefits, you can see an estimate of what your benefit will be at different ages — 62, full retirement age, or 70.
One of the most useful features is the ability to print a benefit verification letter, also called a "proof of benefits" letter. This letter shows your current benefit amount and is often needed to prove your income to a landlord, lender, or government program. You can print it when ready from the portal.
Protecting your account from fraud
Your Social Security account is a target for fraud because it contains sensitive information and connects to your benefits. Never share your username or password with anyone, including Social Security employees. Real Social Security staff will never ask for your password.
If you receive an email or text claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in or verify your information, do not click the link. These are phishing scams. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser and log in from there. If you think your account has been hacked, change your password when ready and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Turn on two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it for your account. This means that even if someone has your password, they cannot log in without also having access to your phone or email. Check your account settings to see if this option is available.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If you forget your username, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot username?" You will be asked to enter your Social Security number and email address, and Social Security will send your username to that email. If you forget your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the same process.
If you are locked out of your account after too many wrong password attempts, wait 30 minutes and try again. If you are still locked out, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can unlock it for you. If you are having trouble with the security questions during account creation, or if you think your identity has been stolen, call the same number and ask to verify your identity by phone instead.
Other ways to reach Social Security without logging in
You do not need a my Social Security account to contact Social Security or get information. You can call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.
If you need a benefit verification letter and do not want to create an online account, you can request one by mail or phone. You can also create an account through a third-party service like ID.me or Login.gov, which some people find easier if they already use those platforms for other government services. However, the my Social Security portal at ssa.gov remains the most direct way to manage your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ssa.gov/myaccount the only official Social Security login?
Yes. The Social Security Administration runs only one official login portal, and it is at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you see a different website claiming to be Social Security, it is not real. Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser rather than clicking a link in an email or search result.
Can I log in with my Social Security card or benefit card?
No. You log in with a username and password that you create yourself. Your Social Security card and benefit card are physical documents and do not work for online login. You need only your username and password once your account is set up.
What if I do not have a phone that can receive text messages?
You can verify your identity by mail or phone instead of online. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to verify by phone, or request a verification code by mail. The mail route takes longer but does not require a text-capable phone.
Can someone else log into my Social Security account for me?
No. Only you can log in with your username and password. If you need help managing your account and cannot log in yourself, you can authorize a representative payee or a power of attorney to handle your benefits, but they do not use your login. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to set this up.
What should I do if I think my Social Security account has been hacked?
Change your password when ready by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking "Forgot password?" Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and report the suspected fraud. They can review your account for unauthorized changes and help you find it.