What you need to log into Social Security online

To access your Social Security account online, you will use a website called my Social Security at ssa.gov. You can create an account using your email address, or you can use a third-party login through a bank or ID service you already have. The site lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number without calling or visiting an office.

You do not need to be receiving benefits yet to create an account. Anyone with a Social Security number can set one up, and it takes about 10 minutes. You will need a valid email address and a way to prove who you are — either a U.S. state ID or driver's license, or a mobile phone number tied to your name in public records.

Key Takeaways

  • You create your account at ssa.gov using your email address or by signing in through a bank or ID service you already use.
  • The first time you log in, Social Security will ask you to prove your identity using your state ID, driver's license, or a phone number in your name.
  • Once your account is set up, you can view your earnings record, request a replacement Social Security card, and change your contact information anytime.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or by answering security questions you set up when you created the account.

Creating a new my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner. Click "Create an account" and choose whether you want to sign up with your email or use a third-party login. If you use your email, you will enter your name, email address, and create a password. Social Security will send a confirmation link to your email — click it to continue.

Next, you will prove who you are. Social Security offers three ways: upload a photo of your state ID or driver's license, answer questions about your credit history, or verify your identity using your mobile phone number. The phone method is usually fastest. You will receive a code by text, enter it on the website, and your account will be active. If you cannot verify your identity online, you can visit a Social Security office in person to complete the process.

Signing in with a bank or ID service account

If you already have an account with a major U.S. bank, credit union, or an ID service like Login.gov, you can use that to sign into my Social Security instead of creating a separate password. This is called federated login. When you click "Sign In" on ssa.gov, you will see options for banks and services — select yours, and you will be taken to that service to log in. Once you confirm, you are logged into Social Security without creating a new password.

This method is often faster because the bank or ID service has already verified who you are. You still need a Social Security number and a valid email address on file, but you skip the identity verification step. If your bank is not listed, you can create a my Social Security account using your email instead.

What you can do once you are logged in

Inside your account, you can view your Social Security Statement, which shows your earnings history and an estimate of your benefits at different ages. You can also see your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments. The site lets you change your address, phone number, and email without calling Social Security.

You can request a replacement Social Security card, though the card itself will be mailed to you — the online service just starts the process. You can also report a change in your income if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and you can view your benefit payment history and tax statements. Some services, like changing your direct deposit information or reporting a death, still require a phone call or office visit.

Resetting your password or recovering your account

If you forget your password, click "Sign In" on ssa.gov and then click "Forgot password?" Enter your email address, and Social Security will send you a reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and you can log back in. The link expires after a few hours, so do this right away.

If you cannot access your email or do not remember which email you used, you can answer security questions instead. On the "Forgot password?" page, select "Answer security questions" and provide the answers you set up when you created your account. If you cannot remember those answers either, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person to regain access.

Common problems and how to fix them

If you see a message that your identity cannot be verified online, Social Security may not have enough information about you in its records — this happens sometimes with younger people or those with limited credit history. You can still create an account by visiting a Social Security office in person with your ID. Bring your Social Security card or a birth certificate, and an employee will verify you and activate your account on the spot.

If your account is locked after too many wrong password attempts, wait 24 hours and try again. If you are having trouble uploading your ID photo, make sure the image is clear, shows your full face and the entire ID card, and is in JPG or PNG format. If the upload still fails, use the phone verification method instead, or visit an office.

Keeping your account secure

Use a strong password with at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use your Social Security number, birth date, or name in your password. Write your password down and store it somewhere safe, or use a password manager.

Social Security will never ask you for your password by email or phone. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password or personal information, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam. Always go directly to ssa.gov by typing the address into your browser yourself, rather than clicking a link in an email or text.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into my Social Security account on my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can download the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, or simply visit ssa.gov in your phone's browser and log in the same way you would on a computer.

What if I do not have a state ID or driver's license?

You can verify your identity using your mobile phone number instead. Social Security will check whether the number is in your name in public records. If that does not work, you can visit a Social Security office in person with a passport, birth certificate, or other government-issued ID to complete the verification.

Do I need to create 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 check your benefit amount, change your address, and handle other tasks without calling or visiting an office.

How long does it take to verify my identity the first time?

If you use the phone verification method, it usually takes a few minutes. If you upload your ID photo, Social Security reviews it within a few hours to a day. If you cannot verify online, you will need to visit an office, which may require scheduling an appointment.

Is my information safe on the my Social Security website?

Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to online banking. However, no website is completely risk-free. Never share your password, and log out when you are done, especially on a shared computer. If you notice suspicious activity on your account, call Social Security right away.