What you need to sign into Social Security online
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 sign in, you need a username and password that you create yourself — Social Security does not issue these to you.
You can reach my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount. The site works on desktop computers, tablets, and phones. You do not need to call or visit an office to set up an account; the entire process happens online.
Key Takeaways
- You create your own username and password on ssa.gov/myaccount; Social Security does not send these to you by mail or email.
- Before you can sign in, you must verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history, phone number, or address.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it immediately using your email address or phone number.
- Once signed in, you can view your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, and see your estimated benefits.
Creating a my Social Security account for the first time
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Social Security will then ask you to verify your identity before you can finish creating the account.
Identity verification usually happens one of three ways. The system may ask you questions about your credit history — for example, "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these credit cards do you recognize?" If you do not have enough credit history, Social Security may ask you to verify using your phone number or by uploading a photo of your driver's license or passport. The photo upload method is the fastest and works even if you have no credit history.
After you pass identity verification, you choose a username and password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Once you finish, you can sign in immediately.
Signing in after you have created your account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password in the boxes on the homepage. If you are on a personal device that you use regularly, you can check the box that says "Trust this device for 30 days" — this means you will not have to sign in again for a month.
If you are on a public or shared computer, do not check that box. Always sign out when you finish, especially on a device that other people use.
What to do if you forget your password
On the sign-in page, select "Forgot username or password?" and then choose "I forgot my password." Social Security will send a reset link to the email address or phone number you used when you created your account. Click the link in the email or text message, and you can create a new password right away.
If you do not have access to the email address or phone number you registered with, you will need to create a new account. You can do this by going back to ssa.gov/myaccount and selecting "Create an account" again, using a different email address or phone number.
What you can do once you are signed in
Inside my Social Security, you can view your complete earnings record — the wages and self-employment income Social Security has on file for you. This is important to check because mistakes in your record can lower your future benefits. You can also see your estimated retirement, disability, and survivor benefits based on your current earnings.
You can request a replacement Social Security card, change your address or phone number, and view your Social Security Statement, which shows your work history and benefit estimates. You cannot change your name or apply for benefits through my Social Security; those tasks still require a phone call or office visit.
Troubleshooting common sign-in problems
If the system says your username or password is wrong but you are certain it is correct, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes the website is temporarily slow. If the problem continues, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset your password.
If you cannot verify your identity during account creation, the system will tell you why — usually because you do not have enough credit history or the information you entered does not match Social Security's records. In this case, you can try the photo ID upload method, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to verify your identity over the phone and then create your account online.
If you see a message that says your account is locked, it means you entered the wrong password too many times. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If your account remains locked after 30 minutes, call 1-800-772-1213.
Security and privacy when using my Social Security
my Social Security uses encryption, which means your information is scrambled as it travels between your device and Social Security's servers. No one can read it in transit. However, you are responsible for keeping your password private — do not share it with anyone, including Social Security employees or family members.
Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text message. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message and report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Social Security number as my username?
No. You must create a unique username that is different from your Social Security number. Your username can be letters, numbers, or a combination of both, and it must be between 8 and 20 characters long.
What if I do not have an email address or phone number?
You need at least one of these to create an account and receive password reset links. If you do not have either, you can visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask about other options.
Is my Social Security information safe on this website?
my Social Security uses the same security methods as banks and other government websites. Your information is encrypted and protected. However, you should never share your password, and you should sign out when you finish, especially on a shared device.
Can I sign in on my phone?
Yes. my Social Security works on phones, tablets, and computers. You can use the same username and password on any device. If you check "Trust this device," that setting applies only to that specific phone or computer.
What if I created an account but never use it — do I need to do anything?
No. Your account will remain active. You can sign in whenever you want to check your information. Social Security will not delete your account for inactivity.