Create or sign into your Social Security account at ssa.gov
Your Social Security account lives at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you do not have an account yet, you will create one using your email address and a password you choose. If you already have one, you sign in with those same credentials.
The site will ask you to verify your identity before you can see your information. This happens the first time you log in and occasionally afterward. You can verify using a phone number, email address, or by answering security questions about your credit history — Social Security will tell you which methods are available for your situation.
Once you are signed in, you can see your earnings record, check how much you have paid into Social Security, view your benefit statement, and change your contact information. You can also set up direct deposit for any benefits you receive.
Key Takeaways
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount to create a new account or sign into an existing one using your email and password.
- Social Security will ask you to verify your identity the first time you log in, using a phone number, email, or security questions about your credit.
- Your account shows your earnings record, how much you have paid into Social Security, and your benefit statement.
- You can change your address, phone number, and email through your account without calling Social Security.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it by email.
What you need to create an account
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address ready. You will also need a password — Social Security requires at least 12 characters, including uppercase and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character like ! or @.
If you do not have an email address, you can create one for free through Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, or another provider. Social Security will send you a link to that email to confirm your account, so make sure you can access it immediately after you sign up.
You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian can create an account to manage your Social Security information.
How to verify your identity on first login
After you create your account, Social Security will ask you to prove you are who you say you are. The most common method is to receive a one-time code by text message or email — you enter that code on the website to confirm your identity.
If you do not have a phone number or email on file with Social Security, the site will ask you security questions instead. These questions are based on your credit history and public records — for example, "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "Which of these is your mother's maiden name?" You answer correctly to move forward.
If you cannot verify your identity online, you can visit a Social Security office in person with a photo ID and your Social Security card. Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., though some have limited hours. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.
What to do if you forget your password
On the ssa.gov/myaccount login page, click "Forgot password?" below the password field. Social Security will send a reset link to the email address you used when you created your account. Click that link, and you can create a new password.
If you do not have access to that email address anymore, you will need to verify your identity again using a phone number, email, or security questions. Social Security will walk you through this process on the password reset page.
If you still cannot reset your password, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). They can help you regain access to your account. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Understanding what information appears in your account
Your earnings record shows how much you earned each year and how much you paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. This record determines how much your benefit will be when you start receiving it. Check it every few years to make sure the amounts are correct — if your employer reported your earnings wrong, you can contact Social Security to fix it.
Your benefit statement estimates how much you will receive each month at different ages. It shows what you would get at age 62 (the earliest you can claim), at your full retirement age (which depends on your birth year), and at age 70 (when the benefit is highest). This estimate is based on your current earnings record and assumes you continue working until that age.
Your payment history shows any benefits you have already received — for example, if you are already collecting retirement or disability benefits. It also shows the date and amount of each payment.
How to change your contact information
Once you are signed in, click "Profile" or "Settings" (the exact name varies). You can update your phone number, mailing address, and email address without calling Social Security or visiting an office. Changes usually take effect within a few days.
If you move, updating your address in your account is important — Social Security mails important notices and tax documents to the address on file. If you receive benefits by direct deposit, changing your address does not affect your payments, but Social Security will send future notices to your new location.
You can also set up or change your direct deposit information through your account. This is the fastest way to receive any benefits you are may have access to to, and it protects you from mail theft or lost checks.
When you cannot access your account online
If the website is down for maintenance, you will see a message saying so. Social Security performs maintenance on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, usually between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. Eastern time. Try again after that window closes.
If you have tried multiple times to verify your identity and keep failing, you can visit a Social Security office in person. Bring a photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and your Social Security card. An employee can verify your identity and help you access your account or answer questions about your benefits.
You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone who can answer questions about your earnings record, benefit amount, or account access. Have your Social Security number ready when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my information safe on ssa.gov?
Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to what banks use. Your password is never stored in plain text, and the site uses HTTPS (you can see the lock icon in your browser). However, you are responsible for keeping your password private — do not share it with anyone, including Social Security employees.
Can I access my account on my phone?
Yes. ssa.gov/myaccount works on phones and tablets. You can also download the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to access your account on the go. The app has the same features as the website.
What if someone else created an account using my Social Security number?
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and try to log in with your email address. If you see an account you did not create, click "Report a Problem" or call 1-800-772-1213 immediately. Social Security can lock the fraudulent account and help you secure your own. Also consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
Do I need to create a separate account for my spouse or children?
Yes. Each person with a Social Security number needs their own account and email address. A parent can create an account for a child under 18, but once the child turns 18, they can take over the account or create their own.
How often should I check my Social Security account?
Check your earnings record at least once every three years to catch any errors your employer may have reported. If you are already receiving benefits, log in occasionally to make sure your payment history is correct and your contact information is current.