How to Log Into Your Social Security Account Online

The fastest way to access your Social Security information

You can log into your Social Security account through my Social Security, the official portal run by the Social Security Administration. The site lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, change your address, and report a change in circumstances — all without calling or visiting an office.

To log in, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and use either a Social Security username and password you created, or sign in through a third-party account like Google, Facebook, or Apple ID. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one first, which takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address.

Key Takeaways

• You access your Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using either a username you create or a Google, Facebook, or Apple ID.
• Creating a new account requires your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a phone number for verification.
• The site shows your earnings record, benefit estimates, and payment history, and lets you report address changes or other updates without calling.
• If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it through email or text.
• You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours if you cannot access the site or need help creating an account.

Creating a new Social Security account

If you do not yet have a my Social Security account, you will need to set one up before you can log in. Start at ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a U.S. phone number.

The Social Security Administration will send a one-time code to your phone or email to verify your identity. Enter that code on the next screen. You will then create a username and password — the username must be between 8 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces.

After you set your password, you will be asked security questions to help protect your account. Answer these carefully and honestly, because you will need to answer them the same way every time you log in from a new device. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

What you can do once you are logged in

Once logged in, you can view your earnings record — the complete history of wages and self-employment income the Social Security Administration has on file for you. This is important to check because errors in your record can lower your future benefits. If you spot a mistake, you can report it through the site or call to file a correction.

You can also see your benefit estimate, which shows what you might receive at different ages if you claim Social Security retirement benefits. This estimate updates each year and assumes you will continue working until the age you choose to claim. If you are already receiving benefits, you will see your current payment amount and payment history instead.

The site lets you change your address or phone number, report a change in income if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and manage your payment method if you receive benefits. You can also download a benefit verification letter, which some employers or landlords ask for as proof of income.

Signing in with a third-party account

Instead of creating a separate Social Security username and password, you can log in using an account you already have with Google, Facebook, or Apple. This option is faster if you already use one of these services and can reduce the number of passwords you have to remember.

To use this method, click "Sign in with" on the my Social Security login page and choose your provider. You will be taken to that company's login screen, where you enter your credentials. Once you authenticate, you will be connected to your Social Security account. The first time you do this, the system will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number and date of birth.

If you later want to switch to a username and password instead, or add a third-party login option to an existing account, you can do that in your account settings under "Sign-in options."

Resetting a forgotten password or username

If you forget your username or password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot username or password?" at the bottom of the login box. Enter your email address or phone number — whichever you used when you created the account. The Social Security Administration will send you a link or code to reset your credentials.

If you used email, check your inbox (and spam folder) for a message from Social Security. The reset link usually works for 24 hours. If you used a phone number, you will receive a text message with a code. Enter that code on the next screen to create a new password.

If you do not receive an email or text within a few minutes, check that you entered the correct contact information. If you still cannot reset your account, call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time) and a representative can help you regain access.

Security and protecting your account

Your Social Security account holds sensitive information, so the Social Security Administration requires you to verify your identity each time you log in from a new device or browser. You may be asked to enter a code sent to your phone or email, or to answer your security questions.

To keep your account safe, use a strong password that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not share your password with anyone, and do not use the same password for your Social Security account as you use for other websites. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Be cautious of emails or text messages claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in or verify your information. The Social Security Administration does not send unsolicited emails asking you to click links or log in. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links — instead, go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount in your browser.

When you cannot access the site

The my Social Security website is usually available 24 hours a day, but the Social Security Administration performs maintenance on the system regularly, typically on Sundays from 3 a.m. to 11 a.m. Eastern time. During maintenance windows, you will not be able to log in. If you need to access your account during maintenance, try again after the window ends.

If the site is down outside of scheduled maintenance, or if you see an error message when you try to log in, wait a few minutes and try again. If the problem continues, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative who can help you or provide the information you need over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to receive benefits?

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. However, having an account makes it easier to manage your benefits, check your payment history, and report changes without calling or visiting an office.

Can I create an account for someone else, like a parent or spouse?

No. Each person must create their own my Social Security account using their own Social Security number and email address. You cannot create or manage an account for another adult, even if you have power of attorney.

What if I do not have a phone number to verify my account?

You can use an email address instead of a phone number during account creation. The Social Security Administration will send a verification code to your email. If you do not have either a phone or email, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you set up an account over the phone.

Is my information safe on the my Social Security website?

The site uses encryption and security measures to protect your data. However, no online system is completely risk-free. Always use a strong password, log out when you are finished, and never access your account from a public computer or unsecured Wi-Fi network.

Can I use my my Social Security login to access other government websites?

No. Your my Social Security username and password work only for the Social Security Administration's website. Other federal agencies have their own login systems. Some sites may offer the option to sign in with Google, Facebook, or Apple ID, but these are separate from your Social Security account.