Getting into your Social Security account

You log into your Social Security account through a website called my Social Security, which is run by the Social Security Administration. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the blue "Sign In" button. You will need either a Social Security number and password you have already created, or you can create a new account using your email address, phone number, and Social Security number.

The first time you visit, you will be asked to verify your identity. Social Security uses a third-party service called ID.me to confirm who you are. You can verify yourself by uploading a photo of your driver's license or state ID, or by answering questions about your financial history. Once you pass verification, you can set up your username and password and log in whenever you need to.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Social Security login is at ssa.gov/myaccount, not a third-party site or app.
  • You will need to verify your identity the first time using ID.me, which takes a photo of your ID or asks security questions.
  • Once verified, you create your own username and password to log in on future visits.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the sign-in page to reset it.
  • Two-factor authentication adds a security code sent to your phone or email each time you log in from a new device.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number ready. You will also need a valid email address and a phone number where you can receive a text message or phone call. If you are verifying your identity with ID.me, have a photo of your driver's license, state ID card, or passport available. If you choose to answer security questions instead, you will need to know details about your credit history, such as past loan amounts or addresses where you have lived.

Make sure you are on the real Social Security website. The correct address is ssa.gov/myaccount — not a link from an email, not a search result that looks similar, and not an app you downloaded from somewhere other than the official app store. Scammers often create fake Social Security login pages to steal passwords and Social Security numbers.

Creating your account for the first time

Click "Create an account" on the my Social Security sign-in page. Enter your email address and create a password at least 12 characters long. Social Security requires a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write down your password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

Next, you will verify your identity through ID.me. You can upload a photo of your ID, which usually takes a few minutes and happens right away. If you choose the security questions route instead, you answer five questions about your financial history, and ID.me tells you within seconds whether you passed. Once verification is complete, you can log in and see your Social Security statement, earnings record, and benefit information.

Resetting a forgotten password

On the my Social Security sign-in page, click "Forgot username or password?" Enter your email address or username. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email (including spam folders) within a few minutes. Click the link and create a new password. The link expires after one hour, so act quickly.

If you do not receive an email, check that you entered the correct email address. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, try again — sometimes the email takes longer to arrive. If the link has expired, go back to the sign-in page and request a new one.

Turning on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication adds a second security step when you log in from a device Social Security does not recognize. After you enter your password, you receive a code by text message or phone call. You enter that code before you can access your account. This protects you if someone steals your password.

To turn it on, log into my Social Security and go to "Settings." Click "Security" and then "Two-Factor Authentication." Choose whether you want codes sent by text or phone call, and enter your phone number. Social Security will send you a test code to confirm it works. From then on, every new device will require the extra step.

What to do if you cannot verify your identity

If ID.me rejects your photo or your answers to security questions, you have other options. You can try uploading your ID again with a clearer photo, or switch to answering security questions instead. If both methods fail, you can verify in person at a Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment or find the office nearest you on ssa.gov.

Some people cannot verify online because their credit history is too thin or their ID does not match Social Security's records. In those cases, bring your original ID and Social Security card to an office in person. Bring a second form of ID if you have one — a passport, military ID, or state-issued ID card all work. The office can verify you on the spot and set up your account.

Staying safe after you log in

Do not share your password with anyone, including Social Security employees. Social Security will never ask for your password by phone, email, or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for your password, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.

Log out when you are finished, especially on a shared computer. Close the browser tab or click "Sign Out" at the top of the page. Do not save your password in your browser if you use a public computer. If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password immediately and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Social Security account to check my benefits before I retire?

Yes. Your my Social Security account shows your earnings record, which is what Social Security uses to calculate your benefit amount. You can see an estimate of what you will receive at different ages — 62, full retirement age, or 70. The estimate updates each year after Social Security processes your tax return.

What if I do not have a smartphone to receive a text code for two-factor authentication?

You can choose to receive the code by phone call instead of text message. Social Security will call your landline or any phone number you provide. You can also turn off two-factor authentication if you prefer, though it makes your account less secure.

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

No. Medicare has its own login at mymedicare.gov. Social Security and Medicare are separate systems. If you have both benefits, you will need to log into each one separately to see your information.

What happens if I do not create an account — can I still get my benefits?

Yes. Your benefits will be paid whether or not you create an online account. The account just lets you check your earnings record, see your benefit amount, and change your address or payment method without calling or visiting an office.

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

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can also download the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Use the same username and password you created on the website.