What My Social Security Online Does

My Social Security is the Social Security Administration's official website where you can view your SSDI account, check your payment status, update your contact information, and request a replacement Social Security card without visiting an office. You create a personal account using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address, then log in to see your benefit amount, payment history, and any messages from Social Security.

The site does not handle California SDI (State Disability Insurance) — that is a separate state program run by California's Department of Social Services. My Social Security is only for federal SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). If you receive both programs, you will manage them through two different online portals.

You can access My Social Security from any computer or phone with internet. Social Security does not charge a fee to create or use an account. The site is available 24 hours a day, though Social Security staff who answer messages are available during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • My Social Security lets you check your SSDI payment amount, view your payment history, and see messages from Social Security without calling or visiting an office.
  • You create a free account using your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address, then set up a password and security questions.
  • The site does not manage California SDI — you use a separate portal for state disability benefits.
  • You can update your address, phone number, and email through My Social Security, but changes to your work status or medical condition must be reported by phone or mail.
  • If you forget your password or lose access to your email, Social Security offers account recovery options, though they can take several days.

How to Create Your My Social Security Account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address you can access right now. Social Security will send a verification code to that email, so you must be able to open it during the sign-up process.

After you enter your basic information, Social Security asks you to create a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol) and answer three security questions. Write down your password and security questions somewhere safe — you will need them if you ever lock yourself out. Then Social Security sends a verification code to your email. Enter that code on the website to finish creating your account.

The first time you log in, you may be asked to verify your identity by answering questions about your credit history or past addresses. This is a security step to make sure you are really you. Once you pass this step, you will not have to do it again on that device.

What Information You Can View and Update

After you log in, you can see your current monthly SSDI payment amount, the date your next payment arrives, and a list of all payments you have received in the past 12 months. You can also read a benefit verification letter, which some employers, landlords, or government programs ask for as proof of your income.

You can update your mailing address, phone number, and email address directly through My Social Security. Changes take effect within a few days. However, you cannot report changes to your work status, medical condition, or living situation through the website — you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit a local office to report those changes.

If Social Security sends you a message about your case, you will see a notification when you log in. You can read messages and, in some cases, reply directly through the site. Replies are reviewed during business hours, usually within one to two business days.

Reporting Changes and Work Activity

My Social Security does not have a form to report that you have started working, stopped working, or changed your earnings. If your work status changes, you must report it by phone or mail within 30 days. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with a representative about your work activity, or mail a completed Form SSA-777 (Statement Regarding Your Work Activity) to your local Social Security office.

Reporting work changes on time is important because SSDI has rules about how much you can earn without losing benefits. If you do not report work income, Social Security may overpay you and later ask for the money back. The online account does not prevent this — only a phone call or mailed form creates an official record that Social Security can use to adjust your benefits correctly.

If your medical condition improves or you have a significant change in your health, you also cannot report that through My Social Security. Call your local office or the main number above to request a medical review.

Troubleshooting Login and Account Access Problems

If you forget your password, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Forgot your password?" Enter your email address, and Social Security will send a password reset link. Click the link and create a new password. This usually takes a few minutes.

If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, select "Forgot your username or email?" on the login page. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing information about your credit history. If you pass this step, you can change your email address and reset your password. This process can take 24 to 48 hours.

If you cannot answer the security questions or verify your identity online, you will need to visit a local Social Security office in person with a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (such as your Social Security card or a tax return). Bring a list of the email addresses you have used so staff can help you regain access to your account.

Security and Privacy on My Social Security

My Social Security uses encryption to protect your information when you log in and view your account. Social Security recommends that you use a strong, unique password (one you do not use on other websites) and never share your password with anyone, including Social Security staff. Social Security employees will never ask for your password by email or phone.

Do not log into My Social Security on a public computer or shared device. If you must use a shared device, always log out when you are finished and clear your browser history. On your personal device, you can stay logged in, but log out if someone else will use that device.

If you think someone has accessed your account without permission, change your password when ready and call 1-800-772-1213 to report it. Social Security can review your account for unauthorized activity and help you find it.

When to Call or Visit an Office Instead

My Social Security handles routine tasks like checking your payment status and updating your address. For anything beyond that — reporting work changes, requesting a medical review, asking about a notice you received, or disputing a payment amount — you need to contact Social Security directly by phone or in person.

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also visit your local Social Security office without an appointment, though you may wait longer during busy hours. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

If you receive a notice from Social Security about a change to your benefits or a request for information, follow the instructions on the notice. Most notices require a response by mail or phone within a specific number of days. My Social Security will not show you a countdown timer — you must read the notice itself to see the important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use My Social Security to report that I started working?

No. You must call 1-800-772-1213 or mail a completed Form SSA-777 to your local Social Security office to report work changes. Reporting by phone or mail creates an official record that Social Security uses to adjust your benefits. My Social Security does not have a form for this.

What if I created a My Social Security account but never finished setting it up?

Go back to ssa.gov/myaccount and try to log in with the email address and password you created. If you cannot remember your password, select "Forgot your password?" and follow the reset steps. If you never finished the identity verification step, you will be asked to complete it the next time you log in.

Can I use My Social Security to appeal a decision about my benefits?

No. If Social Security denied your claim or reduced your benefits, you must file a formal appeal by mail or in person at your local office. You have 60 days from the date on the notice to file. My Social Security will not have an appeal form or option.

Is My Social Security the same as the California SDI online portal?

No. My Social Security is for federal SSDI only. California SDI is a separate state program with its own website and login. If you receive both, you manage them through two different portals. Check your notices to see which program each one is from.

What happens if I do not update my address on My Social Security?

Social Security will continue to mail your notices and payment information to your old address. If you move, update your address through My Social Security or call 1-800-772-1213 as soon as possible so you do not miss important notices about your case.