Where to log in and what you need

You log into your Social Security disability account through my Social Security, the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The web address is ssa.gov/myaccount. You do not log in through a separate disability portal — all Social Security account types, including those receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), use the same login system.

To create or access your account, you will need a username and password, or you can use a third-party login method like Sign in with Google or Sign in with Apple. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one directly on the my Social Security homepage. The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number where SSA can reach you.

If you have already created a my Social Security account for any reason — to check your earnings record, view your benefit statement, or manage other Social Security business — you use that same login for your disability information. There is no separate account type for disability beneficiaries.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at ssa.gov/myaccount using your username and password, or use a third-party login like Google or Apple.
  • You need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number to create an account if you do not already have one.
  • Once logged in, you can view your benefit amount, payment history, and representative payee information if someone else manages your account.
  • If you cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it through email or text.
  • If you have trouble logging in after multiple attempts, contact SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) rather than trying to create a second account.

What you can see and do after logging in

Once you are logged into my Social Security, you can view your current monthly benefit amount, see the date of your next payment, and check your payment history going back several months. You can also download a benefit verification letter, which some landlords, lenders, or government programs ask for as proof of income.

If someone else manages your account as your representative payee — a person or organization SSA has authorized to receive and manage your benefits on your behalf — you can see that person's name and contact information in your account. You cannot change your representative payee through the website; you must contact SSA directly to request a change.

You can also update your direct deposit information, change your mailing address, and report a change in your living situation. However, some changes — such as reporting work activity, changes in household composition that affect your SSI amount, or medical updates — still require you to contact SSA by phone or in person, because they affect your benefit calculation.

Password reset and account recovery

If you forget your username or password, click "Forgot username or password?" on the my Social Security login page. SSA will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions you set up when you created your account, or by receiving a one-time code through email or text message.

If you cannot answer your security questions and do not have access to the email or phone number on file, you will need to verify your identity in person. You can do this by visiting your local Social Security office with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (such as a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 form). Call 1-800-772-1213 to find the office nearest you and ask about their current hours and whether you need an appointment.

Do not create a second account if you forget your login details. Creating multiple accounts can cause confusion in SSA's system and may delay your access to your information. Always use the password reset option first.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see an error message saying your account is locked after several failed login attempts, wait at least one hour before trying again. SSA locks accounts temporarily to protect them from unauthorized access. You do not need to do anything — the lock lifts automatically.

If you are having trouble on a mobile device, try logging in on a desktop or laptop computer instead. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets, but some older devices or browsers may have compatibility issues. Make sure your browser is up to date and that you are using a secure internet connection (the web address should start with "https://", not "http://").

If you see a message that your account does not exist, double-check that you are using the correct Social Security number and that you spelled your username correctly. Usernames are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters matter. If you are certain your information is correct and the account still does not appear, contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether your account was created successfully.

When to contact Social Security instead of using the website

Some tasks cannot be completed through my Social Security and require you to speak with an SSA representative. These include reporting that you have started working, reporting a change in your medical condition, requesting a change to your representative payee, reporting a missing or stolen benefit payment, or disputing information in your account.

You can reach SSA by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in your local time zone. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator.

If you use a representative payee or a work incentive planning and assistance (WIPA) counselor to help manage your benefits, that person may also be able to contact SSA on your behalf or help you navigate your online account.

Security and protecting your account

Your my Social Security account contains sensitive information, including your benefit amount and payment history. Use a strong, unique password that you do not use for other websites. Do not share your username or password with anyone, including family members or people who say they work for Social Security.

Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text message. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from SSA and asking you to log in or verify your information, do not click any links. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount by typing the address into your browser yourself.

If you believe someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. SSA can review your account activity and help you secure it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I do not have an email address or phone number to create an account?

You can use any email address — it does not have to be a personal one, and you can use a family member's email if necessary. For the phone number, you can use a cell phone, landline, or even a number where someone else can reach you and pass along messages. SSA uses these only to send you password reset codes and account notifications.

Can my representative payee or family member log into my account?

No. Each person has their own login credentials. Your representative payee cannot access your my Social Security account using your username and password. If your representative payee needs to view your account information, they must contact SSA directly and provide proof of their authority to act on your behalf.

How often should I check my account?

You can log in as often as you want. Many people check their account monthly to confirm their payment was received or to verify their benefit amount. If you report a change to SSA (such as a new address or work activity), logging in a few days later can help you see whether the change has been processed.

What should I do if my benefit payment is missing or late?

Log into my Social Security and check your payment history to see the date and amount of your last payment. If the payment is showing as sent but you have not received it, contact your bank to ask whether it is pending. If it has been more than three business days since the payment date and you still have not received it, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Can I change my benefit amount or request more money through my account?

No. Your benefit amount is calculated by SSA based on your work history (for SSDI) or your income and resources (for SSI). You cannot change it through your online account. If you believe your benefit amount is wrong, contact SSA to request a review of your case.