The Social Security Administration does not have a single login page — you access your account through a separate website called my Social Security

The Social Security Administration (SSA) itself does not run an online login system. Instead, the agency created my Social Security, a dedicated portal where you can view your earnings record, check benefit amounts, and manage your account. You reach it at ssa.gov/myaccount, not through the main Social Security website.

To use my Social Security, you need either a my Social Security username and password, or you can sign in using credentials from another government account — either a Login.gov account or an ID.me account. All three methods lead to the same portal and give you access to the same information.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Social Security login portal is my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount, not the main SSA website.
  • You can create a my Social Security account directly, or sign in using a Login.gov or ID.me account you may already have.
  • You will need to verify your identity before you can access your account, either by answering security questions or uploading documents.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it by email.
  • You can view your earnings record, check your benefit estimate, and change your address or phone number once you are signed in.

Creating a my Social Security account for the first time

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need to enter your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. The SSA will send a one-time code to your email to confirm it belongs to you.

After you confirm your email, you will create a username and password. Your username must be between 8 and 20 characters. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and at least one special character (such as ! @ # $ % ^ & *).

Next, you will verify your identity. The SSA offers two methods: answer security questions based on your credit history, or upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID card. If you choose the document route, take a clear photo of the front and back of your ID and upload both images. The verification usually completes within a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours.

Signing in with Login.gov or ID.me instead

If you already have a Login.gov account or an ID.me account, you can use either one to sign into my Social Security without creating a separate username and password. On the my Social Security login page, look for the options labeled "Sign in with Login.gov" or "Sign in with ID.me."

Login.gov is a government-wide login system used by multiple federal agencies. ID.me is a third-party identity verification service that many government programs use. Both require you to verify your identity the first time you use them, but once that is done, you can use the same account to access my Social Security and other government portals.

If you do not yet have either account, you can create one directly from the my Social Security login page. Creating a Login.gov account is free and takes about 10 minutes. Creating an ID.me account also takes about 10 minutes and may require you to upload a photo of your ID.

What to do if you cannot sign in

If you forget your username, select "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. Enter your Social Security number and date of birth. The SSA will send your username to the email address on file, or you can answer security questions to retrieve it immediately.

If you forget your password, use the same "Forgot username or password?" link. You can reset your password by clicking a link sent to your email, or by answering security questions. Your new password must follow the same rules as your original one: at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a special character.

If you cannot remember the email address or phone number you used to create your account, or if you believe your account has been compromised, contact the Social Security Administration directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person.

What you can do once you are signed in

Once you access my Social Security, you can view your earnings record — the record of wages you have paid Social Security taxes on throughout your working life. You can also see an estimate of your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits based on your current earnings record and the age you choose to claim.

You can change your address, phone number, or email address in your account. You can also request a replacement Social Security card (in most states), change your direct deposit information if you are already receiving benefits, or report a change in your work status if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

You cannot apply for benefits through my Social Security. To file for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you must use a separate application process — either online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.

Security and protecting your account

Use a strong, unique password for my Social Security — one you do not use for other websites or accounts. If you use the same password across multiple sites and one of those sites is hacked, someone could use that password to access your Social Security account.

Do not share your username, password, or one-time verification codes with anyone, including Social Security staff. The SSA will never ask you for your password. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or close the message — it is a scam.

If you believe your my Social Security account has been hacked or accessed without permission, change your password immediately and contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you also suspect identity theft, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security the same as the main Social Security website?

No. The main Social Security website (ssa.gov) provides information about programs and policies. My Social Security (ssa.gov/myaccount) is the login portal where you access your personal account. They are separate sites with different purposes.

Can I apply for benefits through my Social Security?

No. My Social Security lets you view your earnings record and check benefit estimates, but you cannot file an application through it. To apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, use ssa.gov/benefits, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office.

What if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create a my Social Security account, because the SSA uses email to send you verification codes and password reset links. If you do not have an email account, you can create one for free through Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider. Once you have an email address, you can create your my Social Security account.

Can I sign in on behalf of someone else?

No. Each person must sign into their own my Social Security account using their own Social Security number and identity verification. If you are a representative payee or legal guardian managing someone else's benefits, contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss what information you can access.

How long does identity verification take?

If you answer security questions, verification is immediate. If you upload a photo of your ID, it usually completes within a few minutes, but can take up to 24 hours. If verification fails, you can try again or contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for help.