The fastest way to access your Social Security information is through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration

You can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in to view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and manage your account from home. The site works on a computer, tablet, or phone. You do not need to visit an office or call — everything happens online.

Before you start, gather your Social Security number, a valid email address, and a phone number where you can receive a text or call. The setup takes about 10 minutes the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is the official Social Security Administration website where you create your account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
  • You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number to set up your account.
  • The site uses two-factor verification — you will receive a code by text or call each time you sign in from a new device.
  • Once signed in, you can view your earnings history, request a replacement Social Security card, and check the status of any pending claims.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or phone number without calling anyone.

Creating your account for the first time

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will be asked to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. The system will verify this information against Social Security's records — if it does not match, you will see an error and cannot proceed.

Next, you will create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose (it does not have to be your name). Your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #. Write it down somewhere safe or use a password manager.

After that, you will add a phone number. Social Security will send you a code by text message or voice call — enter that code to confirm the number is yours. This phone number is how the system verifies it is really you each time you sign in from a new device.

Signing in on your regular device

Once your account is set up, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password. If you are signing in from the same computer or phone you used to create the account, you will be asked a security question you chose during setup — answer it and you are in.

If you are signing in from a new device (a different computer, tablet, or phone), Social Security will send a code to your phone by text or call. Enter that code on the screen and you will be signed in. This extra step protects your account from unauthorized access.

You can stay signed in for up to 30 minutes of inactivity. After that, you will be signed out automatically for security.

What you can do once you are signed in

Your earnings record shows every year you worked and how much you earned. This is the number Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for errors — if you see a year that looks wrong, you can report it through the site.

Your benefit statement shows your estimated benefit amount at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70) if you have worked long enough to receive benefits. It also shows your estimated family benefits if you are disabled or have dependents.

You can also request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of a pending application or appeal, and change your address or phone number on file.

If you forget your password or cannot sign in

On the sign-in page, click "Forgot username or password?" and enter your Social Security number. The system will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming information from your credit report. Once verified, you can create a new password.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you will be offered the option to verify by phone or in person at a local Social Security office. The phone route usually takes a few minutes; in-person verification requires an appointment.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see "We were unable to verify your identity," it usually means the information you entered does not match Social Security's records exactly. Check that your name, date of birth, and Social Security number are spelled and formatted correctly. If you recently changed your name or address with Social Security, the system may not have updated yet — wait a few days and try again.

If you do not receive the verification code by text or call, check that the phone number you entered is correct and that your phone can receive texts or calls. If the problem continues, you can verify your identity using security questions instead, or contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to update your phone number.

If you see an error message that says your account is locked, it usually means someone tried to sign in with the wrong password too many times. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset it.

Keeping your account secure

Do not share your username or password with anyone, including Social Security employees. Social Security will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam.

Use a strong, unique password that you do not use on other websites. If you use the same password everywhere and one website gets hacked, criminals can try that password on your Social Security account. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store strong passwords for you.

Sign out when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer. Click the sign-out button in the top right corner of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to check my benefits?

No. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your benefits, or visit an office in person. But the online account is faster and available 24/7, and you can check your information anytime without waiting on hold.

What if I do not have a phone number to add to my account?

You can use a landline, cell phone, or even a phone number where someone else receives calls on your behalf. Social Security just needs a number where it can send a verification code. If you truly have no phone access, you can verify your identity in person at a local Social Security office instead.

Can I sign in on my phone?

Yes. My Social Security works on any phone with a web browser. You can also download the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, which works the same way as the website.

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

No. My Social Security is for Social Security benefits only. If you also have Medicare, you sign into that separately at Medicare.gov. The two systems do not share a login.

What if I think someone else has accessed my account?

Change your password immediately using the "Forgot username or password?" link. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the suspicious activity. They can review your account for unauthorized changes and help you secure it.