Getting into your Social Security account for the first time
You log into your Social Security account through a website called my Social Security, which is run by the Social Security Administration. The address is ssa.gov/myaccount. You will need an email address and a phone number to set up your account — not your Social Security number itself, though you will provide it during setup.
The first time you visit, you will see a button that says "Create an account". Click that button. You will be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and choose a security question. After that, Social Security will send a code to your phone by text or call — you enter that code to confirm it is really you. Once you do, your account is ready to use.
The whole process takes about 10 minutes. You do not need to call anyone or visit an office. You can do it from home on a computer, tablet, or phone.
Key Takeaways
- Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account" to start — you will need an email address and a working phone number.
- Social Security will text or call a code to your phone to verify your identity before your account goes live.
- Your password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to stay find.
- Once you are logged in, you can see your earnings record, check your benefit statement, and change your address or phone number.
- If you forget your password, you can reset it by clicking "Forgot password?" on the login page — you will receive a reset link by email.
What information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin. You will need your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your mother's maiden name. Social Security uses these to confirm you are who you say you are.
You will also need a valid email address that you check regularly and a phone number where you can receive a text message or phone call. The phone number does not have to be a cell phone — a home phone works if it can receive calls — but a cell phone is easier because the code arrives faster by text.
If you do not have an email address yet, you can create one for free at Gmail (gmail.com), Outlook (outlook.com), or Yahoo (yahoo.com). It takes five minutes.
Step-by-step: creating your account
Step 1: Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your web browser. You will see the Social Security login page. Look for the button that says "Create an account" — it is usually in the middle of the page or near the top.
Step 2: Click "Create an account". You will be taken to a new page that asks for your email address. Type in an email you use regularly and can access right now. Click "Next".
Step 3: Create a password. Your password must be at least 12 characters long. It should include capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or @). An example of a strong password is "BlueSky2024!Home". Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one.
Step 4: Choose a security question from the list and write your answer. This is a backup way to prove who you are if you forget your password. Pick a question you will remember the answer to years from now.
Step 5: Enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and mother's maiden name. Click "Next".
Step 6: Social Security will ask which phone number to use for verification. Enter the number where you can receive a text or call right now. Choose whether you want the code by text or by phone call. Click "Send code".
Step 7: You will receive a six-digit code within a few minutes. Enter it on the screen. Click "Verify".
Step 8: You will see a message saying your account is ready. Click "Go to my Social Security" or "Sign in" to enter your account for the first time.
Logging in after your account is set up
Once your account exists, logging in is simpler. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount. Enter your email address and password. Click "Sign in".
If you have not logged in for a while, Social Security may ask you to verify your identity again by sending a code to your phone. This is a security measure. Enter the code when it arrives, and you will be logged in.
You can stay logged in for up to 30 minutes of inactivity. If you step away from your computer, the system will log you out automatically after that time for security. You will need to log in again.
What to do if you forget your password
On the login page at ssa.gov/myaccount, look for the link that says "Forgot password?" Click it. Enter your email address. Social Security will send a password reset link to your email within a few minutes.
Open your email, find the message from Social Security, and click the reset link. You will be taken to a page where you can create a new password. Follow the same rules as before: at least 12 characters, with capital letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
If you do not receive the email within 10 minutes, check your spam or junk folder. Sometimes password reset emails end up there by mistake.
What you can do once you are logged in
Your Social Security account shows you several things. You can see your earnings record — a list of all the years you worked and how much you earned. You can view your benefit statement, which estimates how much money you will receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits depending on your age and situation.
You can also change your address, update your phone number, or change your email address. If you are receiving benefits, you can see your payment history and the date your next payment arrives.
You cannot change your name, date of birth, or Social Security number through the online account. If you need to change any of those, you will need to visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213.
Keeping your account safe
Do not share your password with anyone, including family members or Social Security staff. Social Security will never ask you for your password by email, phone, or text.
Log out when you are finished, especially if you are using a shared computer. Click the "Sign out" button at the top of the page.
If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password right away. Go to your account settings and look for "Change password" or "Security settings". If you cannot regain control of your account, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Social Security account to receive benefits?
No. You can receive benefits without ever creating an online account. The account is optional and just makes it easier to check your information and manage your account from home. If you prefer to handle everything by phone or in person, you can.
What if I do not have a cell phone or email address?
You will need both to create an account online. If you do not have an email, you can create one for free at Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo in about five minutes. If you do not have a phone, you can use a home phone for verification, though a cell phone is faster. If you have neither, you can visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213 to handle things by phone.
Is my information safe on the Social Security website?
Social Security uses encryption and security measures to protect your account, similar to what banks use. Your information is safer on the official ssa.gov website than it is in an email or text message. Never log in through a link in an email — always type ssa.gov/myaccount directly into your browser.
Can I log in on my phone?
Yes. The Social Security website works on phones, tablets, and computers. You can also read the official Social Security mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store if you prefer an app to a website.
What if I see a message saying my account is locked?
If you enter the wrong password too many times, Social Security locks your account temporarily for security. Wait 30 minutes and try again. If it stays locked, click "Forgot password?" to reset it, or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.