What the SSDI login page does
The SSDI login page is where you enter your username and password to access My Social Security, the official Social Security Administration (SSA) website where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit payment status, and manage your account. It is the single entry point for all Social Security online services — whether you receive SSDI, retirement benefits, or survivor benefits.
You do not need to be receiving benefits yet to create an account. Many people set one up before they file, so they can track their process status once it is submitted.
Key Takeaways
- My Social Security is the official SSA website where you log in using a username and password you create yourself, not your Social Security number.
- You can create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount even if you are not yet receiving benefits, as long as you have a Social Security number.
- Once logged in, you can view your earnings record, check the status of a pending SSDI process, and see your payment history.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it through email or text message.
- The site uses two-factor authentication, meaning you will need to verify your identity a second time after entering your password.
Where to find the SSDI login page
The official SSDI login page is at ssa.gov/myaccount. This is the only login page run by the Social Security Administration. Do not use any other website that claims to offer Social Security login, as scam sites exist that look similar to the real one.
You can also reach it by going to ssa.gov (the main Social Security website) and clicking the "Sign in" button in the top right corner. This will take you to the same login page.
What you need to create an account
To create a My Social Security account, you need a valid Social Security number and an email address or phone number where you can receive a verification code. You do not need to be receiving benefits yet.
The account creation process asks you to set a username (not your Social Security number) and a password. You will also choose security questions and answers that only you would know. The SSA uses these to verify your identity if you forget your password later.
The entire setup takes about 10 minutes. Once your account is created, you can log in when ready.
What you can do once you are logged in
Inside My Social Security, you can view your earnings record — the list of years you worked and how much you earned in each year. This is important because SSDI benefits are calculated partly based on your work history. You can also see whether the SSA has any earnings on file that you do not recognize, which sometimes happens if an employer reported your wages incorrectly.
If you have filed for SSDI, you can check the status of your process. The site will tell you what stage it is in — whether it is being reviewed, whether the SSA needs more information from you, or whether a decision has been made.
You can also view your payment history if you are already receiving benefits, change your direct deposit information, and see your benefit amount.
If you forget your username or password
On the login page, click the link that says "Forgot username or password?" The SSA will ask you to enter your Social Security number, and then offer you two ways to reset: by email or by text message to a phone number on file.
If you choose email, the SSA will send you a link. Click it within 30 minutes to create a new password. If you choose text message, you will receive a code to enter on the website.
If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used when you created your account, you will need to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to reset your account. Have your Social Security number ready.
Two-factor authentication and security
After you enter your username and password, My Social Security asks you to verify your identity a second time. This is called two-factor authentication, and it protects your account from being accessed by someone else even if they somehow learned your password.
The SSA offers several ways to complete this second step: you can receive a code by email, by text message, or through an authentication app on your phone (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). Choose whichever method is easiest for you. The code is usually valid for 10 minutes.
If you set up an authentication app, write down the backup codes the SSA gives you and store them somewhere safe. If you lose access to your phone, these codes let you log in without it.
Common reasons you cannot log in
If the website says your username or password is incorrect, make sure you are typing them exactly as you set them up — they are case-sensitive, meaning capital letters matter. If you are still stuck, use the "Forgot username or password?" link to reset.
If you see a message saying your account is locked, it usually means you entered the wrong password too many times. Wait a few hours and try again. If it stays locked, call 1-800-772-1213.
If you created your account a long time ago and have not used it in several years, the SSA may have deactivated it for security reasons. You can create a new account using the same Social Security number and email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to log in to file for SSDI?
No. You can file for SSDI by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting a local Social Security office in person, or submitting a paper process. However, creating a My Social Security account before you file lets you track your process status online once it is submitted.
Is My Social Security the same as the SSDI login?
Yes. My Social Security is the official SSA website where you log in to view SSDI information, retirement benefits, survivor benefits, or any other Social Security account you have. There is only one login page for all of these.
What if I do not have an email address or phone number?
You need at least one to create an account. If you do not have either, you can still file for SSDI by phone at 1-800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office. A staff member can help you without an online account.
Can someone else log into my account if they have my password?
Not easily. Even with your password, they would need to complete the second verification step — they would need access to your email or phone number to get the code. If you think someone has your password, change it when ready by using the "Forgot username or password?" link.
Is it safe to use My Social Security on my phone?
Yes. The SSA website works on phones and uses the same security as the desktop version. If you use public WiFi, make sure you are on the real ssa.gov website (check the address bar) and not a scam site pretending to be Social Security.