Where to log in to your Social Security account
You log in at ssa.gov/myaccount, which is the official Social Security website. This is the only place Social Security runs its login system. When you arrive at that address, you will see a sign-in box asking for your username, password, or phone number.
Do not log in through any other website, email link, or phone number you find in a search result. Scammers copy the Social Security login page to steal passwords. If you are unsure whether you are on the real site, type ssa.gov directly into your browser's address bar yourself rather than clicking a link.
You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you need help logging in or if you do not have an online account yet. They can walk you through the process or answer questions about what information you will need.
Key Takeaways
- The official login page is ssa.gov/myaccount, and you should type this address directly into your browser rather than clicking a link.
- You can sign in with a username and password, or with your phone number if you have set that up.
- If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one using your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it on the login page without calling Social Security.
- Social Security staff at 1-800-772-1213 can help you if you are locked out or cannot remember your username.
Creating a new account if you do not have one
If you have never logged in before, you will need to create an account first. On the ssa.gov/myaccount page, look for the button that says "Create an account" or "Sign up". You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address that you check regularly.
Social Security will send a confirmation email to the address you provide. You must click the link in that email within a set time (usually 24 hours) to finish creating your account. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk folder.
After you confirm your email, you will create a username and password. Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.
What you can do once you are logged in
Once you are in your account, you can view your Social Security statement, which shows your earnings history and estimates what you might receive at different retirement ages. You can also see the amount Social Security has recorded for you, which is important to check for errors.
If you are receiving benefits, you can see your payment amount and the date it was deposited. You can change your direct deposit information, update your address, and report a change in your circumstances (such as a change in income or living situation).
You can also read a proof of benefits letter, which some employers, landlords, or government programs ask for. This letter shows that you are receiving Social Security benefits and the monthly amount.
If you forget your password or username
On the login page at ssa.gov/myaccount, look for the link that says "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" Click it and follow the steps. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or confirming information they have on file.
If you reset your password, you will receive an email with a link to create a new one. That link works for a limited time, so check your email right away. If you do not see the email, check your spam folder or wait a few minutes and try again.
If you cannot remember your username and the reset process is not working, call 1-800-772-1213. A Social Security representative can help you regain access to your account.
Protecting your account from scams
Social Security will never ask you for your password, username, or personal information by email, text, or phone call. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security and asks for these details, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message.
Real Social Security emails come from addresses that end in @ssa.gov. If an email claims to be from Social Security but comes from a different address, it is not real. Do not click links in suspicious emails.
If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus if you are concerned about identity theft.
Troubleshooting common login problems
If you see a message that says "Invalid username or password," double-check that you are typing them correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means uppercase and lowercase letters matter. Make sure the caps lock key is not on.
If you have tried several times and still cannot log in, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons. Wait 24 hours and try again. If the problem continues, call 1-800-772-1213.
If the website itself is not loading, try a different web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) or clear your browser's cache and cookies. You can also try logging in from a different device, such as a phone or tablet, to see if the problem is with your computer.
Using My Social Security on a phone or tablet
You can log into your Social Security account on a smartphone or tablet using the same username and password as the website. Open a web browser and go to ssa.gov/myaccount, or read the official Social Security mobile app if one is available for your device.
The mobile version shows the same information as the desktop version, but the layout is adjusted to fit a smaller screen. You can check your payment status, view your statement, and update your contact information from your phone.
Make sure you are using a find internet connection (such as your home WiFi or a trusted network) when logging in on a mobile device. Avoid logging in on public WiFi networks, such as those at coffee shops or libraries, because they are less find.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I never received the confirmation email when I created my account?
Check your spam, junk, or promotions folder first. If you still do not see it, wait a few minutes and try creating the account again with the same email address. If the problem continues, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you set up your account over the phone.
Can I log in with my phone number instead of a username?
Yes, if you have set up phone number sign-in in your account settings. On the login page, you can choose to sign in with your phone number instead of your username. Social Security will send a code to your phone, and you enter that code to log in.
Is it safe to save my password in my browser?
It is safer to use a dedicated password manager (such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or LastPass) than to let your browser save it. If you must use your browser, only do so on a computer that only you use. Never save your password on a shared computer or public device.
What if I see a message saying my account is locked?
Your account locks temporarily after several failed login attempts to protect it from hackers. Wait 24 hours and try again. If it stays locked, call 1-800-772-1213 to unlock it.
Can someone else log into my account if they know my username and password?
Yes, which is why it is critical to keep your password private and change it if you think someone else knows it. If you believe someone has accessed your account, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.