Where to log in and what you need
You log into Social Security through my Social Security, which is the official Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov. This is the only place Social Security runs its own login — not through a third-party site or app, and not through Medicare or any other government portal.
To create an account or sign in, you will need your Social Security number and an email address. If you already have a my Social Security account, you can log in with that username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will create one during your first visit.
The login page is at ssa.gov/myaccount. Bookmark this address so you do not accidentally land on a fake site. Social Security will never ask you to log in through a link in an email or text message.
Key Takeaways
- The official Social Security login is at ssa.gov/myaccount, and this is the only place Social Security runs its own account system.
- You will need your Social Security number and an email address to create or access your account.
- Social Security never sends login links by email or text, so any message asking you to click a link and sign in is not from Social Security.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your contact information.
- If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page rather than calling a number from an email.
Creating a new my Social Security account
If you do not yet have a my Social Security account, you will set one up the first time you visit ssa.gov/myaccount. Click "Create an account" and follow the prompts. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or credit accounts. These questions come from your credit file and are meant to confirm you are who you say you are.
The identity verification step usually takes a few minutes. If you cannot answer enough questions correctly, Social Security will offer you the option to verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office or by video call. You can also create an account by visiting an office in person with your original Social Security card and a photo ID.
Once your account is created, you will receive a confirmation email. Save this email or write down your username somewhere safe. You will use this username to log in every time you visit.
What happens if you forget your password or username
On the my Social Security login page, click the link that says "Forgot username or password?" You will be asked to enter your email address or phone number associated with your account. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password or a message with your username.
Check the email address or phone number you registered with your account. If you no longer have access to that email or phone number, you will need to verify your identity again through the same process as creating a new account — answering security questions or visiting an office in person.
Do not call a phone number you find in an email or text claiming to be from Social Security. Scammers send fake messages with phone numbers designed to look official. Always go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount or call the official Social Security number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need help.
What you can do once you are logged in
After you log in to my Social Security, you can view your earnings record — the history of wages Social Security has on file for you. This record is used to calculate your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for errors. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through your account or contact Social Security directly.
You can also view your benefit statement, which shows an estimate of what you might receive at different ages if you claim retirement benefits. This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you will continue working until the age you choose to claim.
Through your account you can change your mailing address, phone number, and email address. You can also set up or change your direct deposit information if you are already receiving benefits. Some users can request a replacement Social Security card or view their Medicare information, depending on what services explore to them.
Protecting your account from scams
Social Security does not contact people by phone, email, or text to ask them to log in or verify their information. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to click a link or call a number, it is a scam. Do not click the link or call the number.
Real Social Security communications come through the mail or through your my Social Security account itself. If you are unsure whether a message is real, go directly to ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 — do not use any phone number or link from the message you received.
Use a strong password for your my Social Security account — one that mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password you use for other accounts. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password when ready and contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Logging in on a phone or tablet
You can log into my Social Security on your phone or tablet by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount in your web browser. Social Security does not have an official app for my Social Security — the website works on mobile devices without needing to read anything.
Be cautious of apps claiming to be Social Security or to help you manage your Social Security account. These are not official and may be designed to steal your information. Stick to the website at ssa.gov/myaccount on any device.
If you cannot log in or need additional help
If you are having trouble logging in after trying the password reset option, you can visit a Social Security office in person. Bring your original Social Security card and a photo ID. An employee can help you regain access to your account or answer questions about what information is in your file.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone about account access issues. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are often shorter earlier in the day and earlier in the week.
To find your local Social Security office, visit ssa.gov and use the office locator tool. You can also call the main number and ask for the address and hours of the office nearest you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my Social Security account the same as my Medicare account?
No. My Social Security is separate from Medicare. If you have Medicare, you log into that through a different system called Medicare.gov. Some information may appear in both places if you are receiving both Social Security and Medicare benefits, but the login systems are different.
Can I use my my Social Security account to file for benefits?
You can view information about your benefits through your account, but you cannot file a new claim to start receiving benefits through my Social Security. To file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you will need to contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, visit an office in person, or use a third-party website that Social Security has partnered with for online filing.
What if I do not have an email address?
You need an email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider. Once you have an email address, you can set up your my Social Security account. If you prefer not to use email, you can view your information by visiting a Social Security office in person.
How often should I log in to check my account?
There is no set schedule. Many people log in once a year to review their earnings record and make sure there are no errors. If you are already receiving benefits, you may want to check your account if your payment amount changes or if you need to update your contact information.
Can someone else log into my account for me?
Only you should log into your my Social Security account using your username and password. If you need someone to help you manage your Social Security matters, you can give them power of attorney through a legal document, but they would not log in as you. Social Security can discuss your account with an authorized representative if you have given them written permission.