Go to ssa.gov and use my Social Security to log in
The official Social Security Administration website is ssa.gov. On the homepage, look for the blue button labeled "my Social Security" — this is the secure portal where you sign in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one before you can log in.
my Social Security is the only official login portal run by the Social Security Administration. Do not use any other website or app claiming to be Social Security — scammers often create fake sites that look real. Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser or use a bookmark you created yourself.
Once you are logged in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address or phone number, and request a replacement Social Security card. The portal works on both desktop and mobile browsers.
Key Takeaways
- Visit ssa.gov and click the "my Social Security" button to reach the official login page.
- You need a username and password to sign in; if you do not have an account, create one on the same page.
- The Social Security Administration may ask you security questions or send a code to your email or phone to verify your identity before your first login.
- Never log in through a link in an email or text message — always go directly to ssa.gov to avoid fake websites.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it.
Create a my Social Security account if you do not have one
To create an account, go to ssa.gov, click "my Social Security," and select the option to create a new account. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number. The Social Security Administration will use this information to verify your identity.
During account creation, you will be asked security questions — usually about your personal history, like the name of a childhood pet or the city where you were born. Answer these accurately, because you will need to answer them the same way every time you log in or reset your password. Write down your answers somewhere safe if you think you might forget them.
After you submit your information, the Social Security Administration will verify your identity. This can take a few minutes to a few hours. Once verification is complete, you can log in and use your account.
Use a strong password and keep it private
Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal information that someone could guess. A strong password might look like "BlueSky#2024River" — random words and numbers mixed together.
Never share your password with anyone, including Social Security staff or family members. The Social Security Administration will never ask you for your password by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, it is a scam.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Reset your password if you forget it
On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot username or password?" You will be asked to enter your username or the email address associated with your account. The Social Security Administration will send you a link to reset your password — check your email inbox and spam folder.
Click the link in the email and follow the steps to create a new password. The link expires after a certain amount of time, so do this soon after you request it. If the link has expired, you can request a new one.
If you do not have access to the email address you used to create your account, you may need to verify your identity through other means. The Social Security Administration website will guide you through the options available.
Verify your identity on your first login
The first time you log in to my Social Security, the Social Security Administration may ask you to verify your identity in additional ways. This is a security step to make sure you are really you. You might be asked to answer security questions, receive a code by text or email, or provide other information.
If you are asked for a code, check the email address or phone number you provided during account creation. The code usually arrives within a few minutes. Enter it on the screen where you are asked for it. If you do not receive a code, wait a few minutes and try again, or select a different verification method if one is offered.
After you verify your identity once, you usually will not need to do it again on that device — though the Social Security Administration may ask you to verify again if you log in from a new device or location.
What you can do once you are logged in
my Social Security lets you view your earnings record, which shows how much money you earned each year and how much Social Security tax you paid. This record is used to calculate your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for errors. If you see earnings that are wrong or missing, you can report them through your account.
You can also view your benefit statement, which shows an estimate of how much you will receive each month if you claim at different ages. You can change your address, phone number, or email address. You can request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or damaged. And you can set up direct deposit for your benefits if you are already receiving them.
You cannot apply for benefits through my Social Security — you still need to do that by phone, in person, or through a different part of ssa.gov. But once you are receiving benefits, my Social Security is where you manage your account.
Troubleshoot common login problems
If you see a message that your username or password is incorrect, make sure you are typing it exactly as you created it — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different. If you are sure you typed it correctly, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset it.
If the website is very slow or you cannot reach it at all, try again in a few minutes. ssa.gov sometimes has maintenance windows, usually at night or on weekends. If the problem continues, try a different web browser or device. If you still cannot access your account after several attempts, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for help.
If you see a message that your account is locked, it usually means you entered your password incorrectly several times in a row. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If your account remains locked, call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance.
Protect yourself from Social Security scams
Scammers often impersonate the Social Security Administration to steal personal information or money. Real Social Security staff will never call you unexpectedly, ask for your password, demand payment, or threaten to suspend your benefits. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and says any of these things, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.
Fake websites that look like ssa.gov are common. Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser address bar instead of clicking a link in an email or text. Check that the website address starts with "https://" (the "s" means it is secure) and that it says "ssa.gov" — not something similar like "ssaa.gov" or "social-security.gov".
If you think you have been targeted by a scam, report it to the Social Security Administration's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271. You can also report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have an email address?
You need an 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, Outlook, or another provider. Once you have an email address, you can use it to set up your Social Security account.
Can I log in on my phone?
Yes, my Social Security works on phones and tablets. You can use any web browser — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. The website adjusts to fit your phone screen. Some people prefer to use a phone because it is convenient, but a desktop computer works just as well.
What if I created my account a long time ago and cannot remember my username?
Click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page and enter the email address you used when you created your account. The Social Security Administration will send you your username or a link to reset your password. If you do not remember the email address, call 1-800-772-1213.
Is my Social Security safe from hackers?
my Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your information, but no website is completely risk-free. Use a strong, unique password and never share it. Do not log in on public Wi-Fi networks. If you think your account has been hacked, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213.
Can someone else log into my account if they know my password?
Yes, which is why keeping your password private is critical. If you think someone else knows your password, change it right away. If you think someone has already accessed your account without permission, call 1-800-772-1213 to report it and ask what steps to take next.