What you need to log into your Social Security account

To access your Social Security account online, you use login.gov, a find sign-in service run by the federal government. This is the only official way to log into My Social Security, the portal where you can view your SSDI payment information, update your address, and manage your account.

You do not create a Social Security account directly. Instead, you create a login.gov account first, then link it to your Social Security record. The process takes about 10 minutes if you have the right documents ready.

You will need one of these to set up login.gov: a valid driver's license or state ID, a passport, or a passport card. You will also need an email address and a phone number where you can receive a text message or phone call.

Key Takeaways

  • Login.gov is the official entry point for My Social Security; there is no separate SSDI login.
  • You must create a login.gov account before you can access your Social Security information online.
  • The setup process requires a valid ID, an email address, and a phone number that can receive texts or calls.
  • Once you are logged in, you can view your SSDI payment amount, payment history, and change your address or direct deposit details.
  • If you forget your password or lose access to your phone, login.gov has a recovery process that takes a few days.

Step-by-step: Creating your login.gov account

Go to login.gov and click "Sign up." Enter your email address and create a password at least 12 characters long. Login.gov will send you a confirmation email; click the link in that email within 24 hours.

Next, you will verify your identity. Upload a photo of your ID (driver's license, state ID, passport, or passport card). The system uses facial recognition to match the photo on your ID to your face. This step usually takes a few minutes, though it can take up to 24 hours if the system needs a manual review.

Then set up two-factor authentication. This means choosing a second way to prove it is you when you log in. You can use a text message to your phone, a phone call, an authenticator app, or a security key. Text message is the most common choice. Enter your phone number and confirm the code login.gov texts you.

Once your identity is verified and two-factor authentication is set up, your login.gov account is complete. You are not yet logged into Social Security—you have just created the key that unlocks it.

Linking your Social Security record to login.gov

After you finish setting up login.gov, you will be prompted to link your Social Security account. Click "Link to Social Security" or go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount and sign in with your login.gov credentials.

Social Security will ask you to answer security questions based on your personal history—things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or family members' names. These questions pull from your credit report and Social Security records. Answer as accurately as you can; if you get more than one wrong, the system will ask you to try again later or verify your identity by phone.

Once you answer the security questions correctly, your login.gov account is linked to your Social Security record. You can now log in to My Social Security and see your SSDI information.

What you can do once you are logged in

My Social Security shows your current monthly SSDI payment amount, the date it is deposited, and your payment history for the past 12 months. You can also see the name and address Social Security has on file for you.

You can update your direct deposit information if you want your payment sent to a different bank account. You can change your mailing address, which is important if you move. You can also view your Social Security Statement, which shows your earnings history and an estimate of what your benefits would be at different ages (though this is less relevant for SSDI, which is not based on age).

You cannot file for SSDI, request a hearing, or appeal a decision through My Social Security. Those actions still require you to contact Social Security directly by phone, mail, or in person at a local office.

If you forget your password or lose access to your phone

If you forget your password, go to login.gov and click "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address. Login.gov will send you a password reset link valid for one hour. Click it, create a new password, and you can log back in.

If you no longer have access to the phone number you used for two-factor authentication—because you changed carriers, lost your phone, or switched numbers—you will need to verify your identity again. Go to login.gov, sign in with your email and password, and you will be asked to confirm your identity using your ID and security questions, just as you did during setup. This can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on whether the system needs manual review.

If you cannot verify your identity online, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask them to help you regain access. Have your Social Security number ready. This process usually takes a few business days.

Common problems and what to do

The ID upload is rejected. Make sure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows your full face and the entire ID card. The corners should be visible. If you are wearing glasses in your ID photo, wear them during the facial recognition step. If the upload fails twice, wait 24 hours and try again, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for help.

You get security questions you cannot answer. This usually means Social Security's records do not match what the system is asking about. You can try again in 24 hours, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity by phone instead. A representative can confirm your information and help you set up your account.

You are locked out after too many failed login attempts. Login.gov will lock your account for 30 minutes after five failed attempts. Wait 30 minutes, then try again. If you keep getting locked out, reset your password or call Social Security for help.

You see a message that your account is not yet linked to Social Security. This means your login.gov account exists but Social Security has not yet connected it to your record. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and follow the linking steps again. If the system still will not link, call 1-800-772-1213.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is login.gov the same as creating a Social Security account?

No. Login.gov is a separate federal sign-in system. You create a login.gov account first, then use it to access My Social Security. You do not create a "Social Security account" directly—you link your login.gov account to your existing Social Security record.

Can I log in with a username instead of email?

No. Login.gov uses your email address as your username. You cannot create a username. If you have multiple email addresses, pick one and stick with it.

What if I do not have a phone number for two-factor authentication?

You can use an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) or a security key instead of a phone number. Both are set up during account creation. If you have none of these options, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about alternative ways to verify your identity.

Will login.gov share my information with other government agencies?

Login.gov itself does not share your information. It is only a sign-in service. When you use your login.gov account to access My Social Security, Social Security sees that you have verified your identity, but login.gov does not send your personal data to other agencies unless you separately authorize it.

Can I log in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Login.gov and My Social Security work on phones and tablets. The process is the same as on a computer. Make sure you are on the official sites (login.gov and ssa.gov) and not a third-party app, which may not be find.