The fastest way to access your Social Security information

You can log into your Social Security account through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration. The site lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address, and report a change in circumstances — all without calling or visiting an office.

To log in, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and use either a Social Security username and password you created, or sign in through a third-party account like Login.gov, Google, or Facebook. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one, which takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is the official Social Security Administration portal at ssa.gov/myaccount, and it is free to use.
  • You can sign in with a Social Security username and password, or through Login.gov, Google, or Facebook.
  • Creating a new account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and report changes without calling the agency.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the login page to reset it by email or text.

Creating a new my Social Security account

Start at ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address. The system will ask you to create a username and password, then send a verification code to your email. Enter that code to confirm your identity.

After you verify your email, Social Security may ask you security questions based on your credit history — things like "Which address did you live at in 2015?" or "Which car did you own?" Answer these correctly to finish setting up your account. This step protects your account from unauthorized access.

Once your account is active, you can log in anytime using your username and password, or by signing in through Login.gov, Google, or Facebook if you linked one of those accounts during setup.

What you can do after you log in

My Social Security shows your complete earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. You can check this record to make sure it is correct, because errors can lower your future benefit amount. If you spot a mistake, the site has a form to report it.

You can also view your benefit statement, which estimates how much you will receive at different ages if you claim retirement benefits. The statement updates once a year, usually in September. If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your current payment amount and payment schedule.

The account also lets you change your address, phone number, or email without calling. If your circumstances change — you get married, divorced, or have a new dependent — you can report it through the portal, though some changes may still require a phone call or office visit to complete.

Signing in with Login.gov, Google, or Facebook

Instead of creating a separate Social Security username and password, you can sign in using an existing account from Login.gov, Google, or Facebook. This is faster if you already use one of those services, and it can be more secure because you do not have to remember another password.

To set this up, click "Create an account" on ssa.gov/myaccount, then choose the third-party option you want to use. The system will redirect you to that service to confirm your identity, then link your account to my Social Security. After that, you can log in by clicking the same third-party button instead of entering a username and password.

If you forget your username or password

On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot Username or Password." Social Security will ask for your Social Security number and date of birth, then send a reset code to your email address or phone number (whichever you have on file). Enter that code to create a new password.

If you do not receive the reset code, check your spam folder — it may have been filtered there. If you still cannot find it, you can request a code by text message instead, or call Social Security's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to reset your password over the phone.

Protecting your account from fraud

Use a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, date of birth, or name in your password. Do not share your password with anyone, and do not log in on a public computer or public Wi-Fi network.

If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you suspect identity theft, you can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov.

What to do if you cannot create or access your account

If the website will not let you create an account, it may be because Social Security does not have your email address on file yet. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to add your email to your record, then try creating your account again.

If you are locked out of your account after too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours before trying again. If you still cannot log in after that, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in person. You can find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. My Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount) is separate from Medicare.gov. If you have both Social Security and Medicare, you will need to log into each portal separately. However, if you use Login.gov to sign into my Social Security, you can also use the same Login.gov account to access Medicare.gov.

Can I use my Social Security account to file taxes or apply for benefits?

My Social Security does not handle tax filing or benefit applications. You file taxes through the IRS website (irs.gov). To apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you can start online at ssa.gov/benefits-retirement, but you may need to complete your application by phone or in person.

What if I do not have an email address?

You need a valid email address to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Once you have an email address, you can set up your Social Security account. Alternatively, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to handle your Social Security business over the phone.

Can someone else log into my Social Security account for me?

No. Only you can log into your account using your username and password. If you need help managing your Social Security matters and cannot do it yourself, you can authorize a representative through a power of attorney or representative payee arrangement, but they cannot use your login credentials. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss these options.