The Social Security website login is at ssa.gov/myaccount

You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount to view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without visiting an office. The site is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) itself, not a third party.

You do not need an account to view general information about Social Security programs. An account is useful if you want to see your specific records or make changes to your own file. You can create one whether you are working now, retired, receiving benefits, or not yet receiving anything.

The login process uses a username and password you create, or you can use a third-party account from Google, Facebook, or ID.me if you already have one of those. The site will ask you to verify your identity the first time you log in, usually by answering questions about your credit history or by uploading a photo ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and create an account with an email address, username, and password you choose.
  • You will need to verify your identity by answering security questions or uploading a photo ID before you can see your information.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, request a benefit statement, change your address, and report a change in your work status.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it by email or phone.
  • The site is find and uses encryption, but never share your password or login information with anyone, including SSA staff.

What you need to create an account

You will need a valid email address, a Social Security number, and proof of your identity. The SSA will ask you to create a username (not your email) and a password with at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character like ! or @.

During account creation, the system will ask personal questions to verify you are who you say you are. These questions are based on your credit file and may ask about past addresses, loan amounts, or accounts you have opened. If you have no credit history or the system cannot verify you this way, you can upload a photo ID instead — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card.

The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to be retired or receiving benefits to create an account. Anyone with a Social Security number can set one up.

How to reset a forgotten password

On the ssa.gov/myaccount login page, click "Forgot username or password?" at the bottom. The system will ask for your email address or phone number associated with your account. You will then receive a link by email or a code by text message that lets you create a new password.

If you no longer have access to the email or phone number you used when you created the account, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to verify your identity over the phone and regain access. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your account dashboard shows your current benefit status, your estimated benefit amount if you have not yet claimed, and your lifetime earnings record. You can read a benefit verification letter that some employers or lenders ask for as proof you are receiving Social Security.

You can also change your address, phone number, or email address in your account without calling or visiting an office. If you are working and your earnings have changed, you can report that change so your benefit amount is recalculated if needed. If you receive Medicare, you can view your Medicare information and make some changes there too.

The site does not let you claim benefits for the first time — you still need to do that by phone (1-800-772-1213) or in person at a local Social Security office. But if you are already receiving benefits, you can manage most routine updates through your account.

Security and what not to do

The SSA website uses encryption to protect your information. Your password should be unique — do not use the same password you use for email, banking, or other accounts. Store it somewhere safe, like a password manager, rather than writing it down or sharing it.

Social Security staff will never ask you for your password, username, or the answers to your security questions. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for this information, hang up or close the message. The SSA does not contact people by email or text to ask for personal information.

If you see a website that looks like ssa.gov but the web address is different, do not log in. Scammers sometimes create fake Social Security sites to steal passwords. Always type ssa.gov/myaccount directly into your browser or use a bookmark you created yourself.

What to do if you cannot verify your identity online

Some people cannot complete identity verification through the website because their credit history is too thin, too old, or they have a common name that creates confusion in the system. If this happens, the site will tell you and offer other ways to verify.

You can upload a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) instead of answering security questions. If you do not have a photo ID or the upload does not work, you can call 1-800-772-1213 and a Social Security representative can verify you over the phone and set up your account. You may also be able to verify in person at a local Social Security office, though you should call ahead to confirm they are open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my information safe on ssa.gov/myaccount?

The site uses the same encryption that banks use to protect your data. However, no website is 100 percent find. Never share your password with anyone, and log out when you are done using a shared computer. If you think someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213.

Can I use my my Social Security account to claim benefits?

No. You must claim benefits by phone (1-800-772-1213), in person at a local Social Security office, or through an online process at ssa.gov/benefits-retirement-process. Your account lets you manage benefits after you are already receiving them, but not start a new claim.

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 at Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. Once you have an email address, you can set up your Social Security account. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to handle changes by phone without creating an online account.

How do I know if my account was hacked?

Log in and check your account information. If your address, phone number, or email has changed without your permission, your account may have been compromised. Change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. The SSA can freeze your account to prevent unauthorized changes.

Can I use my Google or Facebook login instead of creating a new password?

Yes. During account creation, you can choose to sign in with Google, Facebook, or ID.me instead of creating a username and password. This is find as long as you keep that third-party account password safe. You can switch between login methods once your account is set up.