My Social Security Login: How to Sign In, Create an Account & Fix Problems
my Social Security is SSA's free online account for checking benefits, COLA notices, tax forms, and direct deposit. Here's how to sign in with Login.gov or ID.me, what you can do once you're in, and how to fix the most common login problems.
Written and fact-checked by the CheckPayDate.com Editorial TeamPublished October 27, 2026Last reviewed October 27, 2026How we review
Quick Answer: How Do I Log In?
- Type ssa.gov/myaccount into your browser.
- Choose Sign in with Login.gov or Sign in with ID.me.
- Enter that service's email, password, and verification code.
Old Social Security usernames and passwords stopped working on June 7, 2025. If that's how you used to sign in, create a Login.gov or ID.me account — your benefit information is still there.
Go to the official ssa.gov/myaccountThis page is an independent guide. We don't have a login form and will never ask for your password or Social Security number.
Deadline: November 18, 2026 to See Your 2027 COLA Notice Online
Create your account and opt into online notices by November 18, 2026 to see your 2027 COLA notice in your Message Center starting late November 2026. Otherwise it arrives by mail in December 2026.
Estimate your new 2027 amount nowHow to Create a my Social Security Account
- 1
Type the address yourself
Go to ssa.gov/myaccount in your browser. Don't use a link from an email, text, or ad — that's how phishing sites trick people.
- 2
Choose Login.gov or ID.me
SSA uses these two sign-in services. You only need one. If you already have either account (for example, from the IRS or VA), use it.
- 3
Verify your identity (one time)
Have your email, a government-issued photo ID, and a phone (Login.gov) or a device with a camera (ID.me). SSA says this one-time step takes about 5–20 minutes.
- 4
Finish setting up my Social Security
After verification, SSA returns you to ssa.gov and creates your personal account. You must be 18 or older and have a Social Security number.
- 5
Turn on online notices
Opt in to receive notices online. You'll get your COLA notice and tax forms up to three weeks earlier than by mail.
Login.gov vs. ID.me: Which Should You Use?
| Sign-in service | What it is | Best for | You'll need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Login.gov | Government sign-in service used across many federal agencies | Most people in the United States | Email, government-issued photo ID, phone number |
| ID.me | Sign-in service used by federal agencies and private companies | People inside or outside the United States | Email, government-issued photo ID, device with a camera |
You only need one. If you're unsure, SSA suggests Login.gov. You can have both and sign in with either.
What You Can Do in Your Account
Everyone
- Request a replacement Social Security card (if eligible)
- Upload documents and submit some forms online
If you don't get benefits yet
- View your Social Security Statement and earnings history
- Get personalized retirement benefit estimates at different ages
- Get estimates for spouse's benefits
- Check the status of a benefit application
- Get proof that you don't receive benefits
If you get benefits
- See your annual COLA notice and new benefit amount
- Start or change direct deposit
- Get your SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S tax form, current and past years
- Print a benefit verification (proof of income) letter
- Change your address and phone number
- Request a replacement Medicare card
- Report wages if you work and receive SSDI or SSI
My Social Security Login Problems and Fixes
My old Social Security username and password don't work
SSA removed username-and-password sign-in on June 7, 2025. Create a Login.gov or ID.me account; your existing my Social Security information will still be there.
I don't have a mobile phone
Login.gov and ID.me accept other verification methods, such as a landline, security key, or backup codes. ID.me may offer a video call if you can't verify on a personal device.
I live outside the United States
Use ID.me. SSA recommends it for people with international addresses, and many online services work with it.
I'm locked out or forgot my password
Reset it with the sign-in service you chose (Login.gov or ID.me), not with SSA. Each has its own help center.
Identity verification keeps failing
Check that your name and address match your ID. If it still fails, call 1-800-772-1213 and say "Help Desk" for account help, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time.
I want to manage a parent's account
You can't. SSA allows only the account owner to create and use a my Social Security account. If your parent needs help managing benefits, ask SSA about becoming a representative payee.
Keep Your Account Safe
- Always type ssa.gov/myaccount yourself. Don't sign in from a link in an email or text.
- Official SSA emails come from addresses ending in .gov.
- SSA never charges a fee to create, unlock, or "activate" an account or your COLA.
- Never share your Login.gov or ID.me code with anyone who calls you, even if they say they're from SSA.
Scammers sent a surge of fake "your Social Security statement is ready" emails in 2026, and SSA's Inspector General warned about 2027 COLA scams in October.
How to spot a Social Security phishing emailCan't Get In? Other Ways to Reach SSA
Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and say "Help Desk," or book an office appointment. See the best times to call and how to find your local office.
Social Security phone number and office guideFrequently asked questions
Related guides & tools
Official Primary Data Sources
Checked against SSA's my Social Security pages on October 27, 2026. CheckPayDate.com is not affiliated with SSA and never asks for your login.
Official sign-in page and list of online services.
Login.gov vs. ID.me comparison, age and email requirements, 5–20 minute verification.
Username sign-in retired June 7, 2025; options without a mobile phone.
Only the account owner may create or use an account.
Services for people who do and don't receive benefits.