What You Can and Cannot Do on the SSDI Website

The Social Security Administration runs a website called my Social Security (at ssa.gov) where you can view your earnings record, check the status of a pending claim, and change your address or phone number. You cannot file a new SSDI claim online—you must start that process by phone, in person at a Social Security office, or through a third party like a disability advocate or attorney. You also cannot appeal a denial online; appeals require a written request sent by mail or filed through a representative.

If you already receive SSDI, my Social Security is where you log in to see your payment amount, verify your work history, and read your benefit verification letter. The site also shows you whether Medicare or Medicaid is attached to your case. None of these functions change your benefits or your may be able to access—they are read-only tools that let you check what Social Security already has on file.

The website works best on a desktop or laptop. The mobile version exists but can be slow when you are uploading documents or reviewing detailed records. If you do not have internet access, you can call Social Security's main line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request the same information by phone, though wait times are often long.

Key Takeaways

  • You can view your SSDI payment amount, earnings record, and benefit status on my Social Security, but you cannot file a new claim or appeal a denial through the website.
  • To create a my Social Security account, you need your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address; you may also need to verify your identity through a third-party service.
  • If you receive SSDI, you can read a benefit verification letter from my Social Security to show employers, landlords, or loan officers without calling Social Security.
  • Appeals and new claims must be started by phone, mail, or in person—never online—so do not wait for an online option if you need to challenge a decision.

Setting Up Your my Social Security Account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will enter your email address, create a password, and provide your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will send a verification code to your email; enter that code to confirm you own the email address.

Next, you will be asked to verify your identity. Social Security uses a third-party service (currently ID.me or similar) that may ask you to upload a photo of your driver's license or passport and take a selfie. This step usually takes a few minutes. If you do not have a photo ID or the upload fails, you can verify in person at a Social Security office instead—bring your ID and proof of residence (a utility bill or lease works).

Once your account is live, you can log in anytime. The first time you log in, Social Security may ask security questions based on your credit history or past addresses. Answer honestly; if you do not know an answer, select "I don't know" rather than guessing.

Checking Your SSDI Status and Payment Information

After you log in, click "Benefit and Work History" to see your current monthly payment amount, the date it is deposited, and whether you are working. The site shows your full earnings record going back to age 14, which is the record Social Security uses to calculate your benefit. If you spot an error—a year where you earned money but it does not appear, or a year where the amount looks wrong—write down the year and the correct amount, then call Social Security to report it.

Under "Medicare" or "Medicaid" (depending on your state), you can see whether either program is attached to your case. If you are on SSDI, you automatically may have access to for Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. The website shows the date your Medicare coverage began. If you are in California and also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may have Medicaid instead; the site will show which one applies to you.

You can also read a benefit verification letter, which states your monthly payment amount and the date your benefits began. Many employers, landlords, and loan officers accept this letter as proof of income. The letter is free and available when ready; you do not have to call or wait.

Reporting Changes Without Calling Social Security

You can update your address, phone number, and email through my Social Security without speaking to anyone. Click "Personal Information" and make the change. Social Security processes address changes within a few days, so your payment should arrive at the new address on your next scheduled deposit date.

You cannot report a change in work status, living situation, or household members online. Those changes affect your benefits and require a phone call or in-person visit. Call 1-800-772-1213 to report that you started or stopped working, moved in with someone else, got married, or had a child. Have your Social Security number and the date the change happened ready when you call.

If you move to a different state, tell Social Security right away. Some states have different Medicaid rules, and your case may need to transfer to a new office. Updating your address online is a start, but also call to confirm the transfer is happening.

What to Do If You Cannot Log In or Forget Your Password

Click "Forgot your password?" on the login page and enter your email address. Social Security will send a reset link to that email. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. The reset link works for 24 hours; if it expires, request a new one.

If you cannot remember the email address you used to create your account, or if you never set one up, you will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can look up your account or help you create a new one. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and a photo ID ready. Wait times are longest on Mondays, Tuesdays, and early in the month.

If you are locked out after too many failed login attempts, wait 24 hours before trying again. If the problem continues, call Social Security or visit a local office in person.

Using my Social Security to Track a Pending Claim or Appeal

If you filed an SSDI claim by phone or in person, you can check its status on my Social Security under "Benefit and Work History." The site shows whether Social Security is still reviewing your claim, whether they have made a decision, and (if approved) when your first payment will arrive. The status updates every few days, not in real time.

If your claim was denied and you filed an appeal, my Social Security does not track the appeal status. You will need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to ask where your appeal stands. Have your claim number (which appears on your denial letter) ready. Appeals can take months or years depending on the level—reconsideration usually takes 3 to 6 months, and a hearing before an administrative law judge can take 1 to 2 years or longer.

Do not rely on my Social Security alone to know whether a decision has been made. Social Security also mails a formal notice to your address on file. If you have not received a notice in the mail after 30 days, call to confirm the decision and ask them to resend it.

Security and Privacy on the SSDI Website

my Social Security uses encryption and requires a password, so your information is safer there than in an email or text message. Do not share your password with anyone, including Social Security employees—Social Security will never ask for your password by phone or email.

Be cautious of emails or texts claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to "verify your account" or "confirm your identity." These are usually scams. Social Security contacts you by mail, not email or text, unless you specifically signed up for email notifications. If you are unsure whether an email is real, do not click any links; instead, go directly to ssa.gov in your browser and log in from there.

If you use a shared computer (at a library, school, or someone else's home), log out completely when you are done. Click "Sign Out" in the top right corner, then close the browser window. Do not rely on just closing the tab.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a new SSDI claim on the website?

No. You must start a new claim by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting a Social Security office in person, or working with a disability advocate or attorney. The website does not have a filing option for new claims.

What if my my Social Security account shows the wrong payment amount?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the error. Do not assume the website is wrong—sometimes it takes a few days to update after a change. But if the amount has been wrong for weeks, ask a representative to review your earnings record and recalculate your benefit.

Can I appeal a denial through my Social Security?

No. Appeals must be filed in writing by mail or through a representative. You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file. Send your appeal to the address on the letter, or have an attorney or advocate file it for you.

Is my Social Security the same as the my Social Security website?

Yes. "my Social Security" is the official name of the website where you log in. It is run by the Social Security Administration and is free to use. Do not pay anyone to help you access it.

What should I do if I think someone hacked my account?

Change your password when ready, then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the breach. Ask them to flag your account for fraud. Also check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com to see if anyone opened accounts in your name.