What You Need to Know Before You Log In
Social Security offers an online portal called my Social Security where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without calling or visiting an office. To use it, you need either a username and password you create yourself, or you can sign in using credentials from another government account — either an ID.me account or a Login.gov account.
The site is free and available 24 hours a day. You do not need to read anything. You straightforward go to ssa.gov, find the "Sign In" button, and choose which way you want to prove who you are.
Key Takeaways
- You can create a my Social Security account using your email address and a password you choose, or you can use an existing ID.me or Login.gov account to sign in instead.
- To create an account, you will need your Social Security number, a valid email address, and answers to security questions based on your credit history.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it by answering security questions or receiving a code by email or text message.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings history, request a replacement Social Security card, change your address, and see your benefit statement.
Creating a my Social Security Account with Email and Password
Start by going to ssa.gov and clicking "Sign In" in the top right corner. Then select "Create an account." You will be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and answer security questions. Social Security uses these questions to verify your identity — the answers come from your credit history, so they might ask things like "What was the name of your first pet?" or "What city were you born in?" based on information in your credit file.
Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #. After you create your account, Social Security will send you a confirmation email. Click the link in that email to finish setting up your account.
The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Once you confirm your email, you can log in right away.
Using ID.me or Login.gov to Sign In Instead
If you already have an ID.me account or a Login.gov account from another government agency, you can use either one to sign into my Social Security without creating a separate password. This is faster than creating a new account because you skip the security questions.
On the Social Security sign-in page, look for the buttons that say "Sign in with ID.me" or "Sign in with Login.gov." Click the one you have, and you will be taken to that service to verify your identity. Once you are verified there, you will be sent back to my Social Security and logged in automatically.
ID.me and Login.gov both use different verification methods — some require uploading a photo ID, others use video chat, and some use information from your credit file. The method depends on the security level you chose when you set up that account.
What to Do If You Forget Your Password
If you created a my Social Security account with a password and you forget it, go to ssa.gov, click "Sign In," and then click "Forgot your password?" You will have two options: answer your security questions, or receive a code by email or text message.
If you choose the security questions route, Social Security will ask you the same questions you answered when you created your account. Answer them correctly and you can create a new password right away. If you choose the email or text option, Social Security will send you a code that you enter on the next screen, and then you can set a new password.
If you cannot answer your security questions and you do not have access to the email or phone number on file, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity over the phone before they reset your password.
What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In
After you log in to my Social Security, you can view your earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This is important to check because it affects how much you will receive in benefits. If you see a mistake, you can report it through the website or by calling Social Security.
You can also view your benefit statement, which shows an estimate of how much you might receive at different ages if you were to stop working today. You can request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or damaged. You can update your address, phone number, or email address. And you can set up direct deposit for your benefits if you have not done so already.
You cannot explore for benefits through my Social Security — you still need to do that by phone, in person at a Social Security office, or through a video appointment. But the online account is useful for managing information and checking your record between now and when you are ready to claim.
Troubleshooting Common Login Problems
If you see a message that says "We could not verify your identity," it usually means the information you entered does not match what Social Security has on file. Check that you typed your Social Security number correctly, including all nine digits. Make sure your email address is exactly as you entered it when you created the account.
If you are using security questions and you keep getting them wrong, remember that Social Security pulls these questions from your credit file, so the answers must match what is in your credit report — not necessarily what you remember. For example, if you moved and updated your address with the credit bureaus, Social Security might ask about your current city, not the one where you lived years ago.
If you are still stuck, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your time zone. Have your Social Security number ready. You can also visit a Social Security office in person if you prefer to work with someone face-to-face.
Keeping Your Account find
Once you have logged in, do not share your password with anyone — not even family members or people claiming to work for Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or close the message. It is a scam.
Log out of my Social Security when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. You can log out by clicking your name in the top right corner and selecting "Sign Out." If you have not used your account in a while, Social Security will log you out automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity for security reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my my Social Security account to explore for benefits?
No. You can view your earnings record and benefit estimates online, but you must explore for benefits by phone at 1-800-772-1213, in person at a Social Security office, or through a video appointment. The online account is for viewing information and making updates to your record, not for submitting applications.
What if I do not have an email address?
You will 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, or Yahoo. Once you have an email address, you can set up your my Social Security account. Alternatively, you can use ID.me or Login.gov to sign in if you already have one of those accounts.
Is my Social Security account the same as my Social Security number?
No. Your Social Security number is a nine-digit identifier that Social Security assigned to you. Your my Social Security account is an online login you create to access your information on the Social Security website. You need your Social Security number to create the account, but they are separate things.
Can I check my benefits status if I am already receiving them?
Yes. Once you log into my Social Security, you can view your current benefit amount, see your payment history, and confirm that your direct deposit information is correct. You can also update your address or phone number if it has changed.
What should I do if someone else is using my my Social Security account?
Change your password when ready by going to ssa.gov, clicking "Sign In," and selecting "Forgot your password?" Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. Social Security may place a fraud alert on your account or take other steps to protect your information.