What you need to sign into your Social Security account
To sign into your Social Security account online, you need a username and password that you created when you first set up your account, or a login method like a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Social Security calls this online account "my Social Security." You do not need to go to a Social Security office in person to create or use it.
If you have never created an account before, you will set up a username and password the first time you visit ssa.gov/myaccount. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks you to verify your identity by answering questions about your Social Security number, date of birth, and address.
If you already have an account but forgot your password, you can reset it on the login page without calling anyone. If you forgot your username, Social Security can send it to you by email or text message.
Key Takeaways
- You create your own username and password the first time you visit ssa.gov/myaccount, and Social Security verifies your identity before letting you in.
- Once you are signed in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, change your address, and request a replacement Social Security card.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it from the login page; if you forget your username, Social Security will email or text it to you.
- You can use your state ID, driver's license, or passport to sign in instead of a username and password if you prefer.
Steps to create a new account
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click the button to create an account. You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Social Security will send you a code by email or text to confirm that the email or phone number belongs to you.
Next, you choose a username and password. Your username can be anything you want — it does not have to be your real name. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @.
After that, Social Security asks you security questions to verify your identity. These are questions about your past — things like addresses you have lived at, loans you have taken out, or accounts you have opened. You answer based on information in your credit history. If you answer correctly, your account is created and you can sign in right away.
What you can do once you are signed in
Once you are in your account, you can see your earnings record — the list of years you worked and how much you earned each year. This is important because your benefit amount is based on your earnings history. You can also see an estimate of what your benefits will be at different ages if you have not yet started receiving them.
You can change your address, phone number, or email address in your account without calling Social Security. You can also request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or damaged, and Social Security will mail it to you.
If you are already receiving benefits, you can see your payment amount and the date it was deposited. You can also view your benefit verification letter, which some employers or landlords ask for as proof that you receive benefits.
If you cannot remember your password
On the login page at ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Forgot your password?" and enter your username. Social Security will send you a link by email that lets you create a new password. You have one hour to click that link and set a new password before the link expires.
If you do not see the email in your inbox, check your spam or junk folder — sometimes the email from Social Security ends up there. If you still cannot find it after 10 minutes, you can ask Social Security to send the link again.
If you cannot remember your username
Click "Forgot your username?" on the login page. Social Security will ask for your email address or phone number — whichever one you used when you created your account. Social Security will then send your username to that email or phone number.
If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used to create your account, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to get help. They can verify your identity over the phone and help you regain access to your account.
Using your ID card instead of a username and password
If you have a state driver's license, state ID card, or passport, you can use it to sign in instead of typing a username and password. This method is called "identity verification" and it is faster than remembering login information.
When you choose this option on the login page, Social Security directs you to a partner service that reads your ID card or passport using your phone's camera. You take a photo of the front and back of your card, and the service confirms it is real. Then you are signed into your Social Security account.
This method works only if your ID is current and not expired. If your ID is expired, you will need to use your username and password instead.
Security and protecting your account
Your Social Security account holds sensitive information, so Social Security requires a strong password — at least 12 characters with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Do not use the same password you use for email, banking, or other accounts.
If you think someone else has signed into your account, change your password right away from the login page. If you cannot sign in because someone else may have changed your password, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you lock your account and reset it.
Do not share your username, password, or the code Social Security sends you by email or text. Social Security employees will never ask you for your password, and no one from Social Security will contact you asking you to sign in to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to create an account to check my Social Security information?
Yes, you need an account to view your earnings record, benefit amount, or payment history online. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to get this information over the phone, but creating an account takes about 10 minutes and lets you check anytime without waiting on hold.
What if I get an error message when I try to sign in?
If you see an error message, first check that you are on the real Social Security website — ssa.gov/myaccount. Make sure you typed your username and password correctly, including uppercase and lowercase letters. If you still cannot sign in after trying again, call 1-800-772-1213 and Social Security can help you troubleshoot the problem.
Can someone else sign into my account if they know my username and password?
Yes, which is why it is important to use a strong password that no one else knows and to change it if you think it has been compromised. If you think someone else has your password, change it when ready from the login page or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
How long does it take to create an account?
Creating an account usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Most of that time is spent answering security questions so Social Security can verify you are who you say you are. Once your identity is confirmed, your account is active and you can sign in right away.
What should I do if I never receive the verification code by email or text?
Check your spam or junk folder first — the code email sometimes ends up there. If you still do not see it after 10 minutes, go back to the signup page and ask Social Security to send the code again. If the problem continues, call 1-800-772-1213 and they can help you create your account over the phone.