What You Need to Log In

Social Security offers an online account called my Social Security where you can view your earnings record, check benefit amounts, and manage your account from home. To log in, you need either a Social Security number and password you've already created, or you can use a third-party login through Login.gov, Google, or Apple ID.

If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to create one first. The creation process requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. You'll also need to verify your identity by answering security questions based on your credit history or by uploading a photo ID and taking a selfie.

You do not need to call Social Security or visit an office to create your account. The entire process happens at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
  • Identity verification requires either answering security questions about your credit history or uploading a photo ID and taking a selfie.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check estimated benefit amounts, and request a replacement Social Security card.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it through your email.
  • You can also log in using your Google, Apple ID, or Login.gov account instead of creating a separate Social Security password.

Steps to Create Your Account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will send a verification code to that email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on the website.

Next, you'll verify your identity. Social Security offers two paths: answer security questions based on your credit file, or upload a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and take a selfie. The photo ID route usually completes faster. After verification, create a username and password. Your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #.

Once you complete these steps, you can log in immediately. Your account is now active.

What You Can Do Once You're Logged In

Inside my Social Security, you can view your complete earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for every year you worked. This is the number Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount, so checking it for errors matters. If you spot a missing year or incorrect amount, you can report it directly through your account.

You can also see an estimate of your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits at different ages. These estimates update based on your current earnings record. If you're already receiving benefits, you can view your payment amount and deposit schedule.

Additional tasks available in your account include requesting a replacement Social Security card (delivered by mail), changing your address or phone number, and viewing your Social Security Statement, which shows your work history and benefit estimates.

Using Alternative Login Methods

If you don't want to create a separate Social Security password, you can log in using an existing account from Google, Apple, or Login.gov. Select the option that matches your preferred login method on the my Social Security homepage. You'll be directed to that service to sign in, then returned to Social Security.

Login.gov is a government-wide login system that some people already use for other federal agencies. Using Login.gov or your Google or Apple account means you don't have to remember another password, though you still need to verify your identity the first time you access my Social Security.

Troubleshooting Login Problems

If you forget your username or password, select "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. Social Security will send a reset link to your email. Click the link and follow the prompts to create a new password. This process takes a few minutes.

If you don't receive the reset email, check your spam and junk folders. If it's still not there after 10 minutes, try again — sometimes the email takes time to arrive. If you've tried multiple times and still can't reset your password, you may need to create a new account instead.

If you can't verify your identity during account creation, Social Security may not have enough information on file about you. This sometimes happens if you're very young, very new to the country, or have limited credit history. In that case, you can visit a Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (like a Social Security card or tax return) to verify your identity and create your account.

Protecting Your Account

Your my Social Security account contains sensitive information, so use a strong, unique password — one you don't use for other websites. Enable two-factor authentication if Social Security offers it for your login method. Never share your password or username with anyone, including Social Security employees. Social Security will never ask for your password by email or phone.

If you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the issue. You can also create a my Social Security account for a child or dependent if you're their representative payee, using their Social Security number and your contact information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets through a web browser. Social Security does not have an official app for my Social Security, so use the website at ssa.gov/myaccount. Be cautious of apps claiming to be Social Security — they may be fraudulent.

What if I don't have a valid email address?

You need an email address to create and access your account. If you don't have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. Once you have an email address, you can proceed with creating your my Social Security account.

How long does identity verification take?

If you answer security questions, verification usually completes within minutes. If you upload a photo ID and selfie, it may take a few minutes to a few hours. In rare cases, Social Security may need to review your documents manually, which can take up to a few business days.

Can I reset my password without access to my email?

No. The password reset process requires access to the email address you registered with your account. If you no longer have access to that email, you'll need to create a new my Social Security account using a different email address, or visit a Social Security office in person to verify your identity.

Is my Social Security account the same as my benefits account?

Yes. My Social Security is the official online account Social Security provides. It's the only account you need to view your information and manage your Social Security record. Do not use third-party websites claiming to manage your Social Security account — they may be scams.