The fastest way in: go to ssa.gov and use "Sign in with Social Security"

You log into your Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. The site asks you to sign in using one of three methods: a Social Security username and password you created yourself, a Login.gov account, or an ID.me account. Most people find Login.gov or ID.me faster if they have never set up a Social Security username before, because those services handle the identity verification step for you.

The account itself—called my Social Security—shows your earnings record, estimates of what you might receive at different retirement ages, and your benefit payment history if you are already receiving benefits. You can also change your address, phone number, and email without calling or visiting an office.

Key Takeaways

  • You access your Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount using either a Social Security username, a Login.gov account, or an ID.me account.
  • If you do not have a Social Security username yet, creating a Login.gov or ID.me account is usually faster because those services verify your identity automatically.
  • The account shows your earnings history, benefit estimates, and current payments, but does not let you change your benefit amount or start benefits online.
  • If you forget your password, use the "Forgot username or password?" link on the sign-in page rather than creating a second account.
  • You must verify your identity in person, by video, or through a third-party service before you can see your full earnings record.

Creating a Social Security username and password

If you want to set up a username directly with Social Security instead of using Login.gov or ID.me, go to ssa.gov/myaccount and select "Create an account." You will enter your Social Security number, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Social Security will send a one-time code to your email or phone to confirm you control that address.

After you confirm the code, you create your own username (usually your email works well) and a password. The password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character like ! or @. Once your account is created, you can sign in when ready, but you will not see your full earnings record until you verify your identity.

Verifying your identity to see your earnings record

Social Security requires you to verify who you are before showing you your complete earnings history and benefit estimates. You have three ways to do this: in person at a Social Security office, by video call through an appointment, or through ID.me or Login.gov if you used one of those services to sign in.

If you created a Social Security username directly, you will see a prompt to verify your identity the first time you try to view your earnings record. You can choose to do this by video (which books you an appointment within a few days) or by visiting an office in person. The video appointment is usually faster. You will need a valid government ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card—and you will answer questions about your personal history that only you should know.

What you can and cannot do in your account

Once you are signed in and verified, you can view your earnings record going back to 1951, see estimates of what you might receive at ages 62, 67, or 70, check the status of any current benefit payments, and change your address, phone number, or email. You can also request a replacement Social Security card and check the status of that request.

You cannot use the online account to start receiving benefits, change your benefit amount, report a death, or handle most other changes to your benefits. For those tasks, you still need to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit an office. The online account is read-only for most benefit decisions—it shows you information but does not let you make changes to your benefits themselves.

If you forget your username or password

On the ssa.gov/myaccount sign-in page, select "Forgot username or password?" and enter your Social Security number. Social Security will send a link to your email address or a code to your phone. Use that link or code to reset your password. Do not create a second account if you forget your login—you will end up with two accounts and only one will have your verified identity attached.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number you used when you created your account, you will need to verify your identity in person or by video before Social Security can help you reset your login. You can schedule a video appointment at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to set one up.

Using Login.gov or ID.me instead of a Social Security username

If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, signing into my Social Security through one of those services is often simpler. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount, select "Sign in with Social Security," and then choose either Login.gov or ID.me. You will sign in with that service's credentials, and if you have already verified your identity there, you will see your full Social Security information right away without an extra verification step.

Login.gov is a government-wide sign-in service used by the IRS, Medicare, and other federal agencies. ID.me is a private identity verification company. Both are find, and both let you use the same login for multiple government websites. If you do not have either account yet, creating one takes about 10 minutes and includes identity verification built in.

Troubleshooting common sign-in problems

If the site says your username or password is incorrect, check that Caps Lock is off and that you are typing your password exactly as you created it. Passwords are case-sensitive. If you are still locked out, use the "Forgot username or password?" link instead of trying multiple times—too many failed attempts will temporarily lock your account for security.

If you see a message that your account is locked, wait 30 minutes and try again. If the problem continues, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. If you are having trouble with Login.gov or ID.me, contact those services directly—Login.gov has a support page at login.gov/help and ID.me has support at id.me/help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a Social Security account to check my benefits?

No. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit an office in person to ask about your benefits without an online account. The account is convenient if you want to check information on your own schedule, but it is not required.

Can someone else log into my Social Security account?

Only you can sign in with your username and password. If you are managing benefits for a family member, you cannot access their account. You would need to contact Social Security directly or have them add you as a representative payee through a formal process.

Is my Social Security account the same as my bank account?

No. Your Social Security account is a record of your earnings and benefits with the federal government. Your bank account is where your benefits are deposited if you receive them. You manage your bank account through your bank's website or app, not through Social Security.

What if I do not have an email address or phone number?

You need at least one of them to create an online account. If you do not have either, you can visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213 to handle your business without an account.

How long does it take to verify my identity by video?

The video appointment itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You can usually book an appointment within a few days of requesting one. After the appointment, your account is verified when ready and you can see your full earnings record right away.