You need a username and password, or you can use a third-party login

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 enter it, you go to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in using one of three methods: a Social Security username and password you create yourself, a Login.gov account, or a verified account through ID.me.

You do not need to call Social Security or visit an office to set up access. The whole process happens online and takes about 10 minutes. Once you are signed in, you stay signed in for a set period before the system logs you out for security reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • You can sign in at ssa.gov/myaccount using a Social Security username and password, a Login.gov account, or an ID.me account.
  • Creating a new Social Security account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number that receives text messages.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it immediately using your email address or phone number without calling Social Security.
  • Login.gov and ID.me are government-backed sign-in services that work across multiple federal websites, so you may already have one set up.
  • The system will ask you security questions or send a code to your phone to confirm your identity before you can view sensitive information.

Creating a new Social Security username and password

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address you can access right now. Social Security will send a verification code to that email, so check your inbox and spam folder.

Next, you create a username (at least 8 characters) and a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol). You also provide a phone number that can receive text messages. Social Security sends a second code to that phone to verify you control it. Once both are confirmed, your account is active and you can sign in immediately.

Keep your username and password somewhere safe. You will use them every time you visit my Social Security unless you choose to sign in through Login.gov or ID.me instead.

Using Login.gov or ID.me to sign in

If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account from another federal website or service, you can use it to sign into my Social Security without creating a separate Social Security username. On the ssa.gov/myaccount sign-in page, look for the buttons labeled "Sign in with Login.gov" or "Sign in with ID.me."

Login.gov is run by the federal government and is used by the IRS, Veterans Affairs, and other agencies. ID.me is a private company that also verifies identity for federal programs. Both require you to prove who you are the first time you use them, usually by uploading a photo ID and answering security questions. After that, signing in is faster because you only enter one username and password instead of managing separate ones for each website.

If you do not have either account yet, you can create one during the sign-in process. The Social Security website will walk you through it step by step.

What to do if you forget your password

On the my Social Security sign-in page, click "Forgot username or password?" You will see options to reset using your email address or your phone number. Choose whichever one you have access to right now.

If you use email, Social Security sends a link to your inbox. Click it within 24 hours and create a new password. If you use your phone, Social Security texts a code to the number on file. Enter that code on the website and create a new password. Both methods work immediately — you do not have to wait or call anyone.

If you cannot access your email or phone, or if you do not remember the phone number or email you used when you created your account, you will need to contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office in person. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it.

Security questions and two-factor verification

The first time you sign in from a new device or browser, Social Security may ask you security questions or send a code to your phone or email. This is a second layer of protection to make sure it is really you, not someone else using your password.

If you are asked security questions, answer them based on information you provided when you created your account — for example, the name of a pet or a street you lived on. If you are sent a code, enter it on the screen within a few minutes. Once you pass this check, the system usually remembers that device for 30 days, so you will not have to verify every single time.

If you cannot answer the security questions or do not receive a code, you cannot sign in that way. You will need to try a different device, clear your browser cookies, or contact Social Security by phone.

What you can do once you are signed in

Inside my Social Security, you can view your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for you, year by year. You can also see an estimate of your retirement, disability, or survivor benefits based on your work history. You can change your address, phone number, or email address without visiting an office. You can also request a replacement Social Security card (in some states) or view your benefit payment history if you are already receiving benefits.

You cannot change your name, date of birth, or Social Security number through the website. Those changes require you to visit a Social Security office in person or mail in documents. The website will tell you which changes need an office visit and how to request an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign in on my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones, tablets, and computers. The sign-in process is the same on all devices. If you sign in on a phone you have not used before, Social Security may ask you to verify your identity again with a security question or a code.

What if I see a message saying my account is locked?

Your account locks after too many failed sign-in attempts to protect it from unauthorized access. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset your password, or contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Is my information safe on my Social Security?

The website uses encryption and security measures similar to banking websites. However, no online system is completely risk-free. Never share your username, password, or Social Security number with anyone, and do not sign in on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Social Security will never email you asking for your password or personal information.

Can someone else sign in to my account?

Only if they know your username and password. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password immediately using the "Forgot username or password?" link. If you cannot regain access, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Do I need to sign in every time I visit?

No. Once you sign in, the website keeps you logged in for a period of time (usually several hours). If you close your browser or do not use the site for a while, you will be signed out for security. You can then sign in again using your saved username and password.