Go to ssa.gov and use your username or phone number to sign in
The Social Security Administration runs a website called my Social Security where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your contact information. To log in, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter either your username or the phone number associated with your account, then your password.
If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one before you can log in. The creation process takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address, a Social Security number, and proof of identity — usually a driver's license or state ID number.
Once you are logged in, you stay in the account for about 30 minutes of inactivity before the system logs you out automatically for security. If you are using a shared computer, always click the sign-out button when you finish rather than just closing the browser.
Key Takeaways
- You log in at ssa.gov/myaccount using a username or phone number and password.
- Creating a new account requires your Social Security number, a valid ID number, and an email address you can access.
- Your account shows your earnings history, estimated benefits, and lets you report a change of address or phone number.
- The system automatically logs you out after 30 minutes of inactivity to protect your information.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page without calling Social Security.
What you need before you create an account
To set up a my Social Security account for the first time, have these items ready: your Social Security number, a valid U.S. driver's license or state ID (including the number), and an email address you check regularly. The email does not have to be a Gmail or Outlook account — any email you can receive messages at will work.
You will also need to answer security questions based on your credit history or financial records. Social Security pulls these from credit bureaus to verify you are who you say you are. If you have never had a credit account or loan, you may not be able to answer these questions, and you will need to use a different verification method — usually uploading a photo of your ID and taking a selfie through the website.
The entire account creation process happens online and takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to visit an office or call anyone.
Steps to create your account if you do not have one
Start at ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." Enter your email address and create a password — Social Security requires at least 12 characters, including uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @.
Next, enter your Social Security number and date of birth. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history, such as "Which of these addresses did you live at in 2019?" or "What was the original loan amount on your car?" If you cannot answer these questions because you have no credit history, you can instead upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie to prove your identity.
Once you pass identity verification, your account is active and you can log in immediately. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided.
What to do if you forgot your password
On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot password?" and enter your username or phone number. Social Security will send a password reset link to your email address. Click the link, create a new password following the same rules (12 characters, uppercase, lowercase, number, symbol), and you can log in right away.
If you do not have access to the email address you used to create the account, you will need to create a new account using a different email. You cannot change the email on an existing account online — you would need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to do that.
What you can see and do once you are logged in
Your my Social Security account shows your complete earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for every year you worked. This is important to check because errors in your record can lower your future benefits. If you spot a mistake, you can note it in your account and Social Security will investigate.
You can also view your estimated benefit amount at your full retirement age, your estimated benefit at age 62, and your estimated benefit if you become disabled. These are projections based on your current earnings record and assume you keep working until the age you choose to claim. The estimate updates each year after Social Security processes your tax return.
From your account, you can change your mailing address, phone number, or email address. You can also request a replacement Social Security card, though you will still need to visit your local Social Security office or an approved partner location to pick it up — the card itself cannot be mailed to you.
Security and what to watch for
Social Security will never ask you to log into your account through a link in an email or text message. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security asking you to verify your account or update your information, do not click any links — go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount in your browser instead. Scammers often send fake emails that look official but direct you to a fake website designed to steal your password.
Do not share your my Social Security username or password with anyone, including Social Security employees. Real Social Security staff will never ask for your password. If someone calls claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, hang up and call the official Social Security number 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213 to report the suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my phone number instead of a username to log in?
Yes. When you create your account, you can choose to log in using either a username you create or the phone number associated with your Social Security record. You can switch between the two methods on the login page — just click the option that matches what you want to use.
What if I do not have a driver's license or state ID?
You can still create an account, but you will need to use the photo ID and selfie verification method instead of answering credit history questions. Have a valid passport, tribal ID, or other government-issued photo ID ready, and make sure you have good lighting when you take your selfie.
How long does my login stay active?
Your session stays active for 30 minutes without any activity. If you close the browser or step away from the computer, the system logs you out automatically when that time passes. You will need to log in again the next time you visit.
Can I check my benefits information without creating an account?
No. You must have a my Social Security account to view your earnings record or benefit estimates online. If you do not want to create an account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can provide some of this information over the phone, though you will need to answer security questions to verify your identity.
What if I created an account but cannot remember my username?
On the login page, click "Forgot username?" and enter your email address or phone number. Social Security will send your username to your email. If you do not remember the email you used, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you recover your account.