Where to log in to your Social Security account
You log in to your Social Security account at ssa.gov, the official Social Security Administration website. The login page is called "my Social Security" and is separate from other government portals. You cannot access your Social Security account through Medicare.gov, IRS.gov, or other federal sites — you must go directly to ssa.gov.
The my Social Security portal lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address or phone number, and request a replacement Social Security card. You do not need to call or visit an office to do these tasks.
Key Takeaways
- You create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov using your email address, Social Security number, and a password you choose.
- The first time you log in, you answer security questions to verify your identity — Social Security will ask about your financial history or past addresses.
- Once logged in, you can see your earnings record, view your benefit statement, and update your contact information without calling.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page; you will receive a reset email within minutes.
- If you cannot create an account or log in after trying the password reset, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to verify your identity by phone.
Creating your my Social Security account for the first time
To create an account, go to ssa.gov and select "Create an account" on the my Social Security login page. You will need your email address, your Social Security number, and a password at least 12 characters long. Social Security recommends using a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
After you enter your basic information, Social Security asks you to verify your identity by answering questions about your past — typically about credit accounts, addresses you have lived at, or loans you have taken out. These questions pull from credit bureau records, so you must answer based on what is actually in your credit history, not what you think should be there. If you have never had credit, you may not be able to create an account online and will need to call 1-800-772-1213 instead.
Once you pass the identity verification step, your account is active immediately. You can log in right away.
What you can do once you are logged in
The my Social Security dashboard shows your current benefit amount (if you are receiving benefits), your estimated future benefit if you have not yet claimed, and your lifetime earnings record. You can download or print your benefit statement, which some employers or lenders ask for as proof of income.
You can also update your mailing address, phone number, and email address without calling. If you need to report a change in your work status, living situation, or family status (such as marriage or the birth of a child), you can start the process online, though Social Security may ask you to mail in documents or call to complete it.
If you are receiving benefits and need to report that you have returned to work, or if your income has changed, you can notify Social Security through your account. The system will tell you whether the change affects your benefit amount.
Logging in if you already have an account
On the ssa.gov login page, enter your username (usually your email address) and password. If you log in from a new device or browser, Social Security may ask you to verify your identity again by answering security questions or receiving a code by email.
Social Security recommends logging out after each session, especially if you are using a shared computer. You can log out by clicking your name in the top right corner and selecting "Sign out."
If you forget your username or password
On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot username or password?" You will enter your Social Security number and email address. Social Security sends a password reset link to your email within a few minutes. Click the link and create a new password.
If you do not receive the email within 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If the email never arrives, or if you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to reset your account or create a new one.
What to do if you cannot create or access your account
If the identity verification questions reject your answers, or if you have never had credit and cannot answer the questions, you cannot create a my Social Security account online. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to verify your identity by phone. A representative will ask you questions about your Social Security record and personal history. Once verified, they can create an account for you or reset an existing one.
Social Security offices are also open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in hours vary by location, and many offices now require you to make an appointment in advance through the website.
If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number above. If you speak a language other than English, Social Security has interpreters available; call the main number and ask.
Security and privacy when using my Social Security
Social Security recommends using a strong, unique password that you do not use on other websites. If your password is compromised on another site, do not use the same password for my Social Security.
Never share your username, password, or Social Security number with anyone who contacts you by phone, email, or text claiming to be from Social Security. Social Security employees will not ask for this information unsolicited. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asking for personal information, hang up or delete the message and call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.
When you log in, make sure you are on ssa.gov — not a similar-looking website. Scammers sometimes create fake login pages that look like the real site. Check that the web address in your browser starts with "https://ssa.gov" (the "s" means it is secure).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my Social Security earnings record online?
Yes. Once logged into my Social Security, select "Earnings Record" to see all wages reported to Social Security under your number. You can see the last three years in detail and a summary of earlier years. If you see an error, you can report it through the website or call 1-800-772-1213.
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 at Gmail.com, Outlook.com, or Yahoo.com. Once you have an email address, you can create your Social Security account. If you prefer not to use email, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to handle Social Security matters by phone.
Can I check my benefits if I am not receiving them yet?
Yes. My Social Security shows your estimated benefit amount based on your current age and earnings record. The estimate assumes you work until your full retirement age. If you plan to claim earlier or later, the actual amount will differ. You can see different scenarios by using the benefit calculator at ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/estimator.html.
Is my information safe on ssa.gov?
My Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your data. However, no website is completely risk-free. Never log in on a public Wi-Fi network without a VPN, and always log out when finished. If you suspect someone has accessed your account, call 1-800-772-1213 immediately.
Can I change my benefit amount or claim date through my account?
No. You cannot change when you claim benefits or your benefit amount through my Social Security. To change your claim date or discuss your options, you must call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. A representative can explain how claiming earlier or later affects your monthly amount.