You log into SSDI through My Social Security, not a separate SSDI portal

There is no separate login system for SSDI. Instead, you use My Social Security, the official Social Security Administration account portal at ssa.gov/myaccount. When you sign in there, you can view your SSDI payment information, check your benefit amount, see your payment history, and access documents like your benefit verification letter.

My Social Security is the same portal used for retirement benefits, survivor benefits, and other Social Security programs. Your one account gives you access to all your Social Security information in one place.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI information is accessed through My Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount, not through a separate disability-specific login.
  • You can create a My Social Security account using your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth, or by linking an existing Login.gov account.
  • Once signed in, you can view your current benefit amount, payment dates, and earnings record without calling Social Security.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it through email or text message.
  • Two-factor authentication is required for security, meaning you will receive a code on your phone or email each time you sign in from a new device.

Creating a My Social Security account for the first time

If you have never signed into My Social Security before, you have two options. The first is to create an account directly on ssa.gov/myaccount by entering your email address, creating a password, and providing your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will verify your identity by asking questions about your credit history or by sending a verification code to your email.

The second option is to use an existing Login.gov account, which is a government-wide login system. If you already have a Login.gov account from another federal agency (such as the IRS, Veterans Affairs, or the Department of Education), you can link it to My Social Security without creating a new password. This is often faster because Login.gov has already verified your identity.

You will need to set up two-factor authentication during account creation. This means Social Security will send a security code to your phone or email each time you sign in from a device you have not used before. This protects your account from unauthorized access.

What you can see and do once you are signed in

Once you are logged into My Social Security, you can view your current monthly SSDI payment amount, see the dates your payments are scheduled to arrive, and read a benefit verification letter that shows your payment history. You can also check your earnings record, which is important if you are working while receiving SSDI and need to track how your work affects your benefits.

You cannot file a new SSDI claim through My Social Security. To file an initial claim, you must contact Social Security by phone at 1-800-772-1213, visit your local Social Security office in person, or use the online process at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. However, once your claim is approved and you are receiving benefits, My Social Security is where you manage your account.

Resetting your password or username

If you forget your username or password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Forgot username or password?" at the bottom of the login box. Social Security will ask you to enter your email address or phone number associated with your account. You will then receive a code by email or text message that allows you to reset your password.

The reset process usually takes a few minutes. If you do not receive a code, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and request a new code. If you still cannot reset your password after multiple attempts, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time) and speak with a representative who can help you regain access.

Two-factor authentication and security

Every time you sign in from a new device or browser, Social Security will send a security code to your phone or email address. You must enter this code to complete the login. This is called two-factor authentication, and it is a required security measure, not an optional step.

If you sign in from the same device repeatedly, you may be asked to verify your identity less often, but you will still need to complete two-factor authentication the first time you use a new computer, phone, or browser. If you do not have access to the phone number or email address on file, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to update your contact information.

Troubleshooting common login problems

If you see an error message saying your account is locked, it usually means you entered an incorrect password too many times. Wait at least one hour before trying again, or use the password reset link to regain access when ready. If you see a message that your identity could not be verified, Social Security may need additional information. You can call 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity over the phone and unlock your account.

If you are having trouble with two-factor authentication, make sure the phone number or email address on file is current. If you have changed your phone number or email since you created your account, log in from a device you have used before (which may not require a new code), then update your contact information in your account settings. If you cannot log in at all, call Social Security and ask a representative to help you reset your account.

What to do if you need help beyond login

My Social Security shows you information about your current benefits, but it does not let you report changes, request a replacement Social Security card, or appeal a decision. For those tasks, you will need to contact Social Security directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time), visit your local Social Security office, or create a message through your My Social Security account asking for help with a specific issue.

If you are reporting a change in your work, income, living situation, or medical condition, do not rely on email or messages alone. Call Social Security to make sure your report is recorded correctly, because changes to your circumstances can affect your SSDI payment amount or your continued receipt of benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use My Social Security on my phone?

Yes. My Social Security works on smartphones and tablets through a web browser. There is no official Social Security app for managing benefits, so use the website ssa.gov/myaccount rather than downloading anything claiming to be an official Social Security app. Scammers sometimes create fake apps designed to steal your login information.

What if I do not have an email address?

You will need an email address to create a My Social Security account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo. Once you have an email address, you can set up your My Social Security account. Alternatively, you can use a Login.gov account if you have one, though Login.gov also requires an email address.

Is My Social Security safe to use?

My Social Security uses encryption and two-factor authentication to protect your information. However, never share your login credentials with anyone, and never click links in emails or texts claiming to be from Social Security. Social Security will never ask you to log in through a link sent by email or text. Always go directly to ssa.gov/myaccount by typing the address into your browser.

Can I check my SSDI status without logging in?

No. You must log into My Social Security to view your benefit information. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about your benefits without logging in, but you will need to verify your identity by answering security questions. Logging in online is usually faster.

What happens if I forget my security code?

If you do not receive your two-factor authentication code, request a new one through the login page. Codes are usually sent within a few minutes. If you still do not receive it, check your spam folder or try a different phone number or email address on file. If you cannot receive codes at any of your contact numbers, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to update your contact information.