Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about changes we’re making to your personal my Social Security account.
No. Effective June 7, 2025, Login.gov and ID.me are now the only sign in options to access Social Security online services. We have removed the option to sign in using a Social Security username and password.
You will be required to create an account with ID.me or Login.gov to access our online services. If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use your existing account to access our online services.
A phone is not required to create an ID.me or a Login.gov account. You can use alternate methods to add Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). You can choose a method that doesn’t require a mobile phone, like a security key, landline, or backup codes.
For ID.me If you don’t have a personal phone or are using a shared device, you may be able to verify on a video call. Visit the ID.me Help Center to get started with MFA.
For Login.gov Login.gov offers several authentication methods. If you cannot use any other MFA option that ID.me or Login.gov supports, or if you prefer the phone, you can receive your MFA code via a phone call to your landline.
Login.gov offers authentication methods other than the phone. Visit the Login.gov Help center for more information about authentication methods. Both you and your spouse can add the same mobile phone number to your separate Login.gov accounts. To create an ID.me account, if you don’t have a personal phone or are using a shared device, you may verify your information on a video call. If you would like to use your mobile phone as one of your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) methods, you can choose to receive your MFA code via text or phone call.
Backup codes are an option for Login.gov users who do not have access to a phone. If you select this option, Login.gov will generate a set of 10 codes. After you sign in with your Login.gov username and password, you will be prompted to enter a code. Each code may be used only once. When the 10th code has been used, you will be prompted to download a new list. Treat your recovery codes with the same level of care as you would your password. Backup codes are the least secure option for 2-factor authentication. Backup codes must be printed or written down, which makes them more vulnerable to theft and phishing.
Only Login.gov customer support can help you with backup codes. Visit the Login.gov Help center for more information about authentication methods. If you need additional assistance, visit the Login.gov Help center.
Login.gov and ID.me are our two credential service providers. You only need an account with one of these providers.
Login.gov is your one government account for simple, secure, and private access to participating government agencies. You can use your Login.gov account to access your Social Security benefits, services, and information. You can use that same Login.gov account to manage other government benefits and services. For more information, visit the Login.gov Help center.
ID.me is a single sign-on provider that meets the U.S. government's online identity proofing and authentication requirements. You do NOT need to create a new ID.me account specifically for Social Security online services. You can use one ID.me account to access both government and private services. For more information, visit the ID.me Help Center.
If you can't sign in to your personal my Social Security account and you have a question about your payments, please call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. You may be able to get the information you need using our automated phone services. They're available 24 hours a day and do not require you to wait to speak with a representative.
If you need to update your email address with us, you can do so by going to the Security Settings tab on your mySSA account. You will see an Update Email Address button. If you must also change your email with either Login.gov or ID.me, you must contact them to update your contact information. You may contact the Login.gov Help Center for assistance with Login.gov accounts and the ID.me Help Center for assistance with ID.me accounts.
Customers with a foreign mailing address should create an account with ID.me following the instructions on our Service Around the World webpage. Many online services are now accessible overseas with an ID.me account.
The USB security key is an authentication method offered by Login.gov, so we recommend you contact the Login.gov Help Center for assistance. More information on Login.gov authentication options can be found at Authentication methods.
For assistance with the phone number associated with your Login.gov account, please visit the Change the phone number associated with your account in the Login.gov Help center.
For all accounts created on or after September 18, 2021, you must contact Login.gov or ID.me to update your contact information. You may contact the Login.gov Help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts and the ID.me Help Center for assistance with ID.me accounts.
For accounts created before September 18, 2021, you can update your cell phone number in the Security Settings screen of your personal my Social Security account only if you set that phone as your Multi-Factor Authentication method.
Each customer is required to create their own unique account using a unique email address. You should not share your account or an email address with anyone, including a spouse or other family members.
No. If you have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use your existing account to access Social Security’s online services.
You can have an account with both Login.gov and ID.me and access your personal my Social Security account with either one. It is not required to have both accounts.
No. Accounts created on and after this date use Login.gov or ID.me.