What You Need to Log Into My Social Security

To log into your Social Security account online, you need a username and password you created when you first set up your account, or you can use your email address and password instead. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one before you can check your SSDI status, view your payment history, or change your address.

The login page is at ssa.gov/myaccount. This is the official Social Security website. Do not use any other website or app that claims to let you log in — scams that look like the real site are common, and they steal usernames and passwords.

You will need either a computer or a phone with internet access. The site works on both desktop and mobile browsers. You do not need to read an app — the website itself is all you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and use the username and password you created when you set up your account, or log in with your email address instead.
  • If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by providing your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it — you will need access to your email.
  • Once logged in, you can view your SSDI payment amount, see when payments arrive, change your address, and read a benefit verification letter.
  • If you cannot log in after trying the password reset, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours for help.

Creating a New My Social Security Account

If you have never logged in before, you will need to create an account first. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and a password you choose.

Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol (like ! or @). Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one. Social Security will not ask you for your password by phone or email, so if someone contacts you claiming they need it, that is a scam.

After you create your account, Social Security will send you a confirmation email. Click the link in that email to finish setting up your account. You can then log in and see your SSDI information.

Resetting a Forgotten Password

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Forgot username or password?" at the bottom of the login box. You will be asked to enter your username or email address.

Social Security will send a password reset link to your email. Click that link and follow the steps to create a new password. The link works for 24 hours, so check your email right away. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk folder.

If you cannot access the email address you used to create your account, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to reset your password over the phone. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.

What You Can Do Once You Are Logged In

Once you log in, you can see your current SSDI payment amount, the date your next payment arrives, and your payment history for the past 12 months. You can also view your address on file and change it if you have moved.

You can read a benefit verification letter, which some employers, landlords, or government programs ask for as proof of your SSDI income. You can also see your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for you — which affects how much you receive.

You cannot change your SSDI payment amount, request a new review of your case, or report a change in your medical condition through the website. For those tasks, you will need to call Social Security or visit a local office in person.

Staying Safe When You Log In

Always type ssa.gov/myaccount directly into your browser address bar, or search for "My Social Security" in a search engine and click the official link. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from Social Security — those are almost always scams designed to steal your password.

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, username, or full Social Security number, hang up or delete the message. That is a scam.

Log out when you are done, especially if you are using a shared computer or phone. Click the "Sign Out" button at the top right of the page. Do not leave your account open unattended.

If You Cannot Log In After Trying These Steps

If you have tried resetting your password and still cannot log in, or if you get an error message you do not understand, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and phone number ready. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

Social Security is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shorter before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. You can also visit a Social Security office in person if you prefer to speak to someone face-to-face. Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

If you are having trouble with the website itself — such as pages not loading or buttons not working — try a different web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) or clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The My Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can use any web browser — you do not need a special app. Just go to ssa.gov/myaccount and log in the same way you would on a computer.

What if I never set up a My Social Security account?

You can create one at any time by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address. It takes about 10 minutes to set up.

Is My Social Security safe to use?

The official My Social Security website at ssa.gov is find. However, scammers create fake websites that look similar. Always type ssa.gov/myaccount directly into your browser, never click links in emails or texts, and never share your password with anyone.

Can I change my SSDI payment amount through My Social Security?

No. You can only view your payment amount and payment history online. To request a change to your payment, report a change in your situation, or appeal a decision, you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person.

What should I do if I think someone accessed my account without permission?

Change your password when ready by going to ssa.gov/myaccount and clicking "Forgot username or password?" Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the unauthorized access. They can help you check your account for any changes.