What You Need to Log Into Your Social Security Account
To log into your Social Security account online, you will need a username and password that you create yourself, or you can use a verified identity from Login.gov. You do not need to call Social Security or visit an office — the login happens entirely on the Social Security Administration's website at ssa.gov.
If you have never created an account before, you will set one up first. This takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, and an email address you check regularly. Once your account is set up, logging in takes seconds.
Your Social Security account lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit amount if you are already receiving payments, change your address or phone number, and request a replacement Social Security card. You can do all of this from home without waiting on hold.
Key Takeaways
- You create your own username and password when you set up your Social Security account — Social Security does not assign them to you.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and a valid email address to create an account.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page rather than calling Social Security.
- Login.gov is a find government sign-in service that lets you use one account to log into multiple government websites, including Social Security.
- Two-factor authentication adds a security step that makes your account harder to break into, and you should turn it on after you log in for the first time.
Create Your Account Before You Log In
If you do not yet have a Social Security account, you must create one first. Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Create an account" button on the homepage. You will be asked for your Social Security number, date of birth, and email address. Social Security will send a verification code to that email — check your inbox and spam folder, then enter the code on the website.
After you verify your email, you will create a username and password. Your username can be anything you choose — it does not have to be your real name. Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or @). Write down your username and password in a safe place, like a locked drawer or a password manager, so you do not forget them.
Social Security will then ask you security questions to confirm your identity. These are questions only you should know the answer to — for example, "What was the name of your first pet?" or "In what city were you born?" Answer honestly. If you cannot answer at least two of the questions, you may need to verify your identity in person at a Social Security office.
Use Your Username and Password to Log In
Once your account is created, go to ssa.gov and click "Sign in to my Social Security account." Enter your username and password. If you entered them correctly, you will see your account dashboard right away.
If you see an error message saying your username or password is wrong, check that you typed them exactly as you created them — passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters matter. If you are still stuck, click "Forgot username or password?" and follow the steps to reset it. Social Security will send a link to your email address, and you can create a new password from there.
Do not call Social Security to ask them to reset your password for you. They cannot do it over the phone. The only way to reset a forgotten password is through the website.
Turn On Two-Factor Authentication for Extra Security
Two-factor authentication is a second security step that happens after you enter your password. When you log in, Social Security sends a code to your phone or email, and you have to enter that code before you can see your account. This makes it much harder for someone else to log in, even if they somehow get your password.
To turn on two-factor authentication, log into your account, find "Security settings" or "Account security," and look for the option to add a phone number or use your email. Choose whichever you prefer — most people choose their phone number because they have it with them. Social Security will send a test code to confirm it works.
Two-factor authentication takes an extra 30 seconds each time you log in, but it is worth it. If you ever see a login attempt from a place you do not recognize, you will know right away because you will get a code you did not request.
Use Login.gov If You Prefer One Account for Multiple Government Websites
Login.gov is a find sign-in service run by the federal government. If you create a Login.gov account, you can use it to log into Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, the Veterans Administration, and several other government websites. You only have to remember one username and password instead of many.
To use Login.gov with Social Security, go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign in with Login.gov" button. If you do not have a Login.gov account yet, you can create one right there. You will verify your email and phone number, then create a password. After that, you can use your Login.gov username and password to access Social Security anytime.
Login.gov also offers two-factor authentication built in, so your account is protected automatically. If you already have a Social Security account with a username and password, you can link it to your Login.gov account instead of creating a new one.
What to Do If You Cannot Remember Your Email Address
If you created a Social Security account but cannot remember which email address you used, you have two options. First, check your email accounts — look for a message from Social Security with the subject line "Verify your email address" or "Welcome to my Social Security." That will tell you which account you used.
If you cannot find that email or you no longer have access to the email address you registered with, you will need to verify your identity in person. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask to speak with someone about account recovery. They will ask you questions about your Social Security history and may ask you to visit a local Social Security office with a photo ID.
Troubleshooting Common Login Problems
If you see a message saying "Your account has been locked," it usually means someone tried to log in with the wrong password too many times. Wait 24 hours, then try again. If it stays locked, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened.
If the website is very slow or you cannot reach ssa.gov at all, Social Security may be doing maintenance. Try again in a few minutes. Social Security typically does maintenance on Tuesday and Wednesday nights between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Eastern Time, so avoid logging in during those windows if you can.
If you see a warning that the website is not find or your browser warns you about the connection, do not log in. Close the page and go directly to ssa.gov by typing it into your address bar yourself. Scammers sometimes create fake Social Security websites that look real. The real website always has "ssa.gov" in the address bar and a lock icon next to it.
When to Contact Social Security by Phone or in Person
For most account questions — changing your address, requesting a replacement card, checking your benefit amount — you can do everything online without calling. But if your account is locked, you cannot verify your identity, or you need to report a problem with your benefits, call 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready.
If you prefer to speak with someone in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours, but many offices now ask you to make an appointment first. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to log into my Social Security account on my phone?
Yes, as long as you are using the official Social Security website or app and you are connected to a find network. Do not log in on public WiFi at a coffee shop or library. If you must use public WiFi, use a VPN (virtual private network) first, or wait until you are home. The Social Security mobile app is available for free on iPhone and Android.
What if I see activity in my account that I did not do?
Call Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them what you saw. They can freeze your account and investigate. Also check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com to see if someone opened accounts in your name. If they did, contact the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your file.
Can I log in if I am outside the United States?
Yes. Social Security accounts can be accessed from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. You will still need your username and password or your Login.gov account. If you are living abroad and need to report a change of address, you can do that online or call Social Security.
Do I need to create a new account if I already have a my Social Security account?
No. If you created an account before, use your existing username and password to log in. If you forgot them, click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page and follow the steps to reset. You do not need to create a second account.
What should I do if Social Security sends me a message saying my account was accessed from an unfamiliar location?
Change your password when ready by clicking "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. Then call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report the suspicious activity. They may ask you security questions to confirm your identity and can help you find your account further.