How to Sign Into Your Social Security Account Online

What you need to access your Social Security account

You can view your Social Security record, check your earnings history, and print benefit statements by signing into your account at ssa.gov. To create an account or sign in, you will need an email address and a way to verify your identity — either a phone number, mailing address, or state ID number that matches Social Security's records.

Social Security uses a third-party service called Login.gov to handle account creation and sign-in. You do not create your account directly on the Social Security website. Instead, you set up a Login.gov account first, then link it to your Social Security record. This two-step process is how Social Security confirms you are who you say you are.

The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes if you have the right information ready. If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a benefit statement by mail instead.

Key Takeaways

• You sign in through Login.gov, not directly on the Social Security website, and you need an email address and a way to verify your identity.
• Identity verification happens in real time during account creation and requires either a phone number, mailing address, or state ID number that matches Social Security's records.
• If verification fails, you can request a code by mail, which takes 5 to 10 business days, or call Social Security to complete verification by phone.
• Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, and print statements without signing in again for 30 days.

Creating a Login.gov account for the first time

Go to ssa.gov and click the button that says "Sign In" or "Create an Account." You will be taken to Login.gov. Enter your email address and create a password — Social Security recommends a password at least 12 characters long with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

After you create your password, Login.gov will send you a confirmation email. Click the link in that email within 24 hours to verify your email address. Then you will be asked to set up a second form of security, called multi-factor authentication. You can choose to receive a code by text message, phone call, or authenticator app. Text message is the most common choice.

Once multi-factor authentication is set up, you will answer security questions and provide information to verify your identity. Social Security will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, and one of the following: a phone number, mailing address, or state ID number. If the information matches what Social Security has on file, you will be verified immediately and can sign in right away.

What to do if identity verification fails

If Social Security cannot verify your identity in real time, you will see a message saying verification was unsuccessful. This usually happens because the phone number, address, or ID number you entered does not match what Social Security has in its system. Do not try again immediately — each attempt is recorded.

You have two options. First, you can request a verification code by mail. Social Security will send a letter with a code to the mailing address on file. This takes 5 to 10 business days. When you receive the letter, return to Login.gov, sign in with your email and password, and enter the code. After that, your account will be verified.

Second, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to verify your identity over the phone. A representative can confirm your information and complete the verification process during the call. This is faster than waiting for mail but requires you to have your Social Security card or other ID available.

Signing in after your account is created

Once your account is verified, go to ssa.gov and click "Sign In." Enter your email address and password. Login.gov will send you a code by text, call, or authenticator app — whichever method you chose during setup. Enter that code on the next screen. You will then be signed into your Social Security account.

Your session will stay active for 30 minutes of inactivity. If you step away from your computer or phone, you will be signed out automatically for security. You can then sign back in using the same process. If you forget your password, click "Forgot Password" on the Login.gov sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it.

What you can do in your Social Security account

Once signed in, you can view your earnings record — a list of all the wages you have earned and paid Social Security taxes on. You can check whether the amounts are correct and report any errors. You can also see an estimate of your benefit amount at different ages and print a benefit verification letter, which some employers and lenders ask for.

If you are already receiving benefits, you can view your payment amount and the date your next payment will arrive. You can also change your address or phone number, request a replacement Social Security card, and report a change in your work status. Not all of these tasks can be done online — some still require a phone call or visit to a local office — but your account will tell you which ones can.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If you see a message that your account does not exist, check that you are using the correct email address. If you created your account a long time ago and have not signed in recently, your account may have been deactivated for security reasons. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to reactivate it or create a new account.

If you cannot receive the verification code by text or phone, check that the phone number in your account is correct. You can update it by calling Social Security or visiting a local office. If you do not have access to the phone number on file, request verification by mail instead — this is slower but does not require a working phone.

If you see an error message that says "We could not verify your identity," do not try to create another account with the same email address. Instead, request verification by mail or call Social Security. Creating multiple accounts can lock you out temporarily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security account the same as my Medicare account?

No. Medicare has its own sign-in system at Medicare.gov. You will need a separate account to view your Medicare information. However, if you have a Login.gov account for Social Security, you can use the same email and password to sign into Medicare — you do not have to create a new Login.gov account.

What if I do not have a phone number or mailing address on file with Social Security?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to update your contact information. A representative can add a phone number or confirm your mailing address over the phone. Once that is done, you can complete identity verification online. This usually takes one business day.

Can someone else sign into my Social Security account?

No. Only you can sign in using your email and password. If you are managing benefits for a family member or have power of attorney, you will need to set up a separate representative account, which requires additional paperwork. Call Social Security to ask about representative access.

What should I do if I think someone else has accessed my account?

Change your password immediately by going to Login.gov and clicking "Forgot Password." Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. Social Security can flag your account and review your recent activity. If your Social Security number has been compromised, ask about steps to protect your identity.