The Social Security website login uses a single account system called my Social Security

You log into Social Security accounts through my Social Security, a portal run by the Social Security Administration. This is the only official Social Security login — there is no separate system for different benefit types. You create one username and password, and that account works whether you receive retirement benefits, disability, survivor benefits, or are just checking your earnings record.

The login page is at ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need an email address and a phone number to set up an account. If you already have a my Social Security account, you log in with the same credentials every time you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Social Security login is my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount — not a third-party site or app.
  • You need an email address and phone number to create an account, and you will receive a verification code by text or email during setup.
  • Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check benefit payment dates, change your address, and report a change in circumstances.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it without calling Social Security.
  • Social Security will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text — if someone does, it is a scam.

Creating a my Social Security account for the first time

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will enter your email address first. Social Security will send you a verification code to that email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on the next screen.

Next, you provide your phone number. Social Security sends a second verification code by text message. Enter that code, then create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to be your name or Social Security number. Your password must be at least 12 characters and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol.

After you set your password, Social Security asks security questions to confirm your identity. These are questions about your personal history — where you lived, your mother's maiden name, previous addresses. Answer them accurately. If you cannot answer three of them correctly, you will need to verify your identity another way, usually by mail or in person at a Social Security office.

What you can do once you are logged in

Inside my Social Security, you can view your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for you from each year you worked. This is the record used to calculate your benefit amount, so checking it for errors matters. If you spot a year with missing or incorrect earnings, you can report it directly through the account.

You can also see your benefit payment schedule — the dates and amounts of payments coming to you. If you receive retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, this shows your next payment date and the amount. You can change your mailing address or direct deposit information without calling or visiting an office.

If your circumstances change — you return to work, you move, your phone number changes — you can report some changes through my Social Security. Not all changes can be reported online; some still require a phone call to 1-800-772-1213 or a visit to a local office.

Resetting a forgotten password

On the login page at ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Forgot username or password?" You will enter your email address or username. Social Security sends a password reset link to your email. Click the link, and you will be taken to a page where you create a new password.

The reset link expires after a set time — usually a few hours. If it has expired, go back to the "Forgot username or password?" page and request a new link. You do not need to call Social Security or visit an office to reset your password.

Protecting your account from scams

Social Security will never contact you by email, text, or phone asking for your password, username, or Social Security number. If you receive a message claiming to be from Social Security and asking for this information, it is a scam. Do not click links in those messages or call phone numbers they provide.

Legitimate Social Security communications come through the mail or through your my Social Security account itself. If you are unsure whether a message is real, log into your account directly by typing ssa.gov/myaccount into your browser — do not click a link from an email or text. Once logged in, check your messages in the account. Real Social Security notices appear there.

Use a strong, unique password for my Social Security — one you do not use for other websites. If you use the same password everywhere and one site gets hacked, scammers can try that password on your Social Security account. Consider using a password manager to keep track of different passwords for different sites.

What to do if you cannot log in or create an account

If you have trouble creating an account, the most common reason is that Social Security already has a record for you in the system. Try clicking "Forgot username or password?" and enter your email address. If an account exists under that email, you will get a password reset option.

If you cannot verify your identity using the security questions during account creation, Social Security offers other verification methods. You can verify in person at a local Social Security office by bringing your Social Security card and a photo ID. You can also request verification by mail — Social Security will send you a form to complete and return.

If you are locked out of an existing account after multiple failed login attempts, wait a few hours before trying again. Social Security temporarily locks accounts as a security measure. If you remain locked out after waiting, call 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my Social Security the only way to check my benefits online?

Yes. my Social Security is the official Social Security Administration portal. Other websites may offer to check your benefits for you, but they are not run by Social Security and may not be secure. Always log in directly at ssa.gov/myaccount.

Can I use my Social Security number as my username?

You can, but Social Security recommends against it. Your username is less sensitive than your Social Security number, so using something else adds a layer of security. You can choose any username you want during account creation.

What if I do not have an email address or phone number?

You need both to create a my Social Security account. If you do not have an email address, you can create one for free through Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. If you do not have a phone number, you can use a family member's number during setup, though you will need access to that phone to receive the verification code.

Will Social Security ever text me asking to verify my account?

Social Security may send you a text with a verification code if you request a password reset or if there is suspicious activity on your account. But Social Security will never text asking you to click a link, verify your password, or provide personal information. If you receive such a text, it is a scam.

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

Yes. my Social Security works on phones and tablets as well as computers. You log in the same way — go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password. The layout adjusts to fit your screen size.