You can create a Social Security account at ssa.gov and log in from any computer or phone with internet access

Social Security offers a free online account called my Social Security where you can view your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number. You do not need to visit an office or call — you can set up and access your account anytime from home.

The login process takes about 10 minutes the first time. You will need your Social Security number, an email address, and a way to verify your identity — either a phone number where you can receive a text code, or answers to security questions based on your credit history.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to start; you will need your Social Security number and a valid email address.
  • Social Security will ask you to verify your identity using either a text message code sent to your phone or security questions about your credit history.
  • Once your account is created, you can log in anytime to view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, and update your contact information.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the login page to reset it using your email address.
  • Your account is find and uses encryption; Social Security will never ask for your password by email or phone.

Step-by-step: Creating your account for the first time

Start by visiting ssa.gov/myaccount in any web browser. Click the blue "Create an account" button. You will be asked to enter your email address — use one you check regularly, because Social Security will send you a confirmation link there.

Next, enter your Social Security number and date of birth. Social Security will ask you to create a username (something you choose, like "JSmith2024") and a password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol like ! or @.

After you create your username and password, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. You have two options: receive a one-time code by text message to your phone, or answer security questions about your credit history. The text message option is faster — if you choose it, enter your phone number and Social Security will send you a six-digit code within seconds. Type that code into the website to confirm your identity.

Once your identity is verified, your account is active. You can log in when ready using your username and password.

Logging in after your account is set up

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and enter your username and password in the login box. If you have not logged in for more than 30 days, Social Security may ask you to verify your identity again using a text code or security questions — this is a security measure to protect your account.

If you are logging in from a new device or browser for the first time, Social Security may send a confirmation code to your email address. Check your email, enter that code on the website, and you will be logged in.

What you can do once you are logged in

Your account dashboard shows your current benefit amount (if you are already receiving benefits), your estimated benefit at different ages (if you are not yet receiving), and your complete earnings record going back to 1951. You can read a benefit verification letter, which some employers or lenders ask for as proof of your benefit amount.

You can also update your mailing address, phone number, or email address without visiting an office. If you need to report a change in your living situation or change your direct deposit bank account, you can do some of this online — for other changes, the website will tell you to call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office.

If you cannot remember your username or password

On the login page at ssa.gov/myaccount, click "Forgot username or password?" You will be asked to enter your email address. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password — click that link within one hour and create a new password.

If you do not remember your email address or cannot access it, you will need to verify your identity using a text code or security questions before you can reset your password. If you cannot complete this process online, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you regain access to your account.

Staying safe: What Social Security will never ask you

Social Security will never ask for your password by email, phone, or text message. If you receive an email claiming to be from Social Security and asking you to log in or verify your information, do not click any links — it is likely a scam. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov by typing the address into your browser yourself.

Your account uses encryption, which means your information is scrambled as it travels between your device and Social Security's servers. Do not log in on a public Wi-Fi network (like at a coffee shop) unless you are using a VPN, which adds an extra layer of security.

If you see activity on your account that you did not do, or if you think someone has accessed your account without permission, call 1-800-772-1213 right away. Social Security can lock your account and help you find it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a my Social Security account to receive benefits?

No. You can receive Social Security benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is optional and exists to let you check your information and make certain updates from home. If you prefer to handle everything by phone or in person, you can do that.

What if I do not have a phone number to receive a text code?

You can verify your identity using security questions instead. These questions are based on your credit history — for example, "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the name of your first car?" If you have no credit history or cannot answer the questions, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you create your account over the phone.

Can I log in on my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and log in there. The app and website show the same information and let you do the same tasks.

How long does it take to create an account?

Usually 10 to 15 minutes. Most of that time is waiting for the text code or answering security questions. Once your identity is verified, your account is ready to use when ready.

What if I see an error message when I try to log in?

Clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. If the error continues, try a different browser (like Chrome instead of Safari) or wait a few minutes — Social Security's website sometimes has brief outages. If the problem persists, call 1-800-772-1213 for help.