What you need to sign into Social Security online

To sign into your Social Security account, you go to ssa.gov and use the "My Social Security" portal. You will need either a username and password you created before, or you can sign in using a verified account from another government service like Login.gov or ID.me.

If you have never signed in before, you will create a new account first. This takes about 10 minutes and requires a valid email address, a Social Security number, and proof of who you are — usually a driver's license or state ID number.

You do not need to call Social Security or visit an office to create an account. Everything happens online.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security is the official portal at ssa.gov where you sign in with a username and password, or through Login.gov or ID.me.
  • Creating a new account requires your Social Security number, email address, and a way to prove your identity — usually a driver's license number.
  • Once you are signed in, you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, and change your address or direct deposit information.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it when ready using your email address or by answering security questions you set up when you created the account.

Creating a new My Social Security account

Start by going to ssa.gov and clicking the "Create an account" button on the My Social Security page. You will be asked for your email address, which becomes part of how you sign in later. Use an email you check regularly, because Social Security will send password reset links and security alerts there.

Next, you enter your Social Security number and date of birth. Then Social Security asks you to prove who you are. Most people do this by entering their driver's license or state ID number and the state that issued it. Some people are asked additional questions instead, like details from their credit history.

After you pass the identity check, you create a username and password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or #. Write this down somewhere safe, or use a password manager.

Finally, you set up security questions — usually three of them — that you can use to reset your password if you forget it. Choose questions where only you know the answer.

Signing in with Login.gov or ID.me instead

You do not have to create a separate My Social Security username and password. Instead, you can sign in using an account you already have with Login.gov or ID.me. Both are government-approved identity services that work with many federal agencies.

If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account that has been verified with your identity documents, you can use it to sign into My Social Security right away. This is often faster than creating a new account from scratch, because you skip the identity verification step.

To do this, go to ssa.gov, click "Sign in," and then look for the option to sign in with Login.gov or ID.me. You will be taken to that service, where you sign in with your existing credentials, and then you are sent back to Social Security already logged in.

What you can do once you are signed in

Once you are in My Social Security, you can see your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for you from every job you have had. This is important because your benefit amount is based on these earnings. If you spot a mistake, you can report it directly through the portal.

You can also view your current benefit amount if you are already receiving benefits, or see an estimate of what you might receive at different ages if you are not yet receiving. You can change your mailing address, update your phone number, and set up or change your direct deposit so benefits go to your bank account instead of a check.

If you are explore for SSDI or SSI, you cannot complete the whole process online yet, but you can start one and save your progress. You will still need to finish it by phone or in person at a Social Security office.

If you forget your password

On the My Social Security sign-in page, click "Forgot username or password?" and enter your email address. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password. Check your email — including your spam folder — and click the link within 24 hours.

If you do not have access to the email address you used to create your account, you can answer your security questions instead. On the same "Forgot username or password?" page, select the option to answer security questions, and Social Security will ask you the three questions you set up when you created your account.

If you cannot remember your security questions or do not have access to your email, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to reset your account. Have your Social Security number and a form of ID ready.

Common problems when signing in

If you see a message that says your account is locked, it usually means you entered the wrong password too many times. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, use the password reset option instead of trying to sign in again.

If you get an error message about your identity not being verified, it means Social Security could not confirm who you are using the information you provided. This sometimes happens if your driver's license number is entered incorrectly, or if the state you listed does not match your ID. Go back and check your entries, or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify your identity over the phone.

If you are using Login.gov or ID.me and keep getting sent back to the sign-in page, make sure your account with that service is fully verified. You may need to go to Login.gov or ID.me directly, complete any remaining verification steps, and then try signing into My Social Security again.

Keeping your account find

Do not share your username, password, or security question answers with anyone — not even family members or people claiming to work for Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for your password.

If you think someone else has signed into your account, change your password when ready. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the suspicious activity. They can review your account for unauthorized changes.

Use a strong, unique password that you do not use on any other website. If you use the same password everywhere and one website gets hacked, someone could use that password to get into your Social Security account too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. My Social Security works on phones and tablets using any web browser. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play, which lets you sign in and view your information on the go.

What if I do not have a driver's license?

You can use a state ID card, passport, or passport card to prove your identity when you create your account. If you do not have any of these, Social Security may ask you additional questions about your credit history or other personal details instead.

How long does it take to create an account?

Usually about 10 minutes if your identity verifies right away. If Social Security needs to ask you additional questions, it might take a few more minutes. Once your account is created, you can sign in when ready.

Is My Social Security the same as explore for benefits?

No. My Social Security is just a way to view your information and manage your account. To explore for SSDI or SSI, you start an process through My Social Security, but you will need to complete it by phone or in person at a Social Security office.

What if I already have a Social Security account but cannot remember how I signed in?

Click "Forgot username or password?" on the sign-in page and use your email address or security questions to reset your access. If you created your account using Login.gov or ID.me, you can sign in that way instead of using a separate username and password.