My only phone is my home phone. How can I access my personal my Social Security account?
December 12, 2024
Login.gov offers other authentication methods besides the telephone. You'll find more information at Authentication methods.
Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov
My husband and I share a mobile phone, no landline. How do I proceed?
December 12, 2024
Login.gov offers other authentication methods besides the telephone. You'll find more information at Authentication methods.
What is the difference between Login.gov and ID.me?
December 12, 2024
Login.gov and ID.me are our two credential service 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 services. You can use one ID.me account to access both government and private services. For more information, visit the ID.me help center.
What if I don't transition to Login.gov or ID.me? Will that affect my Social Security payments?
December 12, 2024
Your Social Security benefits and Medicare premium deduction are not affected by the transition. While we strongly encourage you to transition to or create a Login.gov or ID.me account to access your personal my Social Security account, it is optional.
I created a Login.gov account but it doesn't link to my personal my Social Security account, and I can no longer sign in to my account with my username. What can I do?
December 12, 2024
You must sign in to your personal my Social Security account from our online portal. If you are attempting to access your personal my Social Security account from another Login.gov sign-in page, you will likely not see anything related to Social Security. If you have attempted to transition your account to Login.gov and are still unable to access your account from our website, you may have to go through the ID proofing process again. You can make an appointment to visit a local Social Security office to receive assistance in person.
My Login.gov account works just fine for NIH, and it shows it's linked to my personal my Social Security account, but I can't access it. Your Help Desk suggested deleting my original username account, but that didn't resolve the problem. Can you help?
December 12, 2024
You must sign in to your personal my Social Security account from our online portal. If you are attempting to access your personal my Social Security account from another Login.gov sign-in page, you will likely not see anything related to Social Security. If you have attempted to transition your account to Login.gov and are still unable to access your account from our website, you may have to go through the ID proofing process again. You can make an appointment to visit a local Social Security office to receive assistance in person.
I signed in using Login.gov, but I'm confused. Where do I find out when I'm getting my Social Security payment?
December 12, 2024
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 telephone services. They're available 24 hours a day and do not require you to wait to speak with a representative.
What if I can't sign in?
December 12, 2024
If you're having trouble signing in, please verify your web browser is up-to-date and try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. To verify if your web browser is up to date, go to your browser's settings or “Help” section and look for an option to check for updates and how to clear the cache and cookies.
I received an activation code in the mail and followed the instructions in your letter, but I was never prompted for the activation code. Did I miss something?
The mailed notice you received included important steps to finish setting up your online account. Please verify that you completed all the required steps included in the letter.
I've tried numerous times to receive an authorization code, but nothing comes through. What should I do?
In some cases, we must send your activation code by mail when we are unable to verify your telephone number. If you are having problems receiving or entering your activation code, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say "Help Desk" at the voice prompt.
The SSA text I received with a code was supposed to have a letter, but it doesn't. The code and directions didn't work. What should I do?
If you are having problems receiving or entering your activation code, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say "Help Desk" at the voice prompt.
Is there an actual deadline for making the transition to Login.gov?
While you can still use a username and password to sign in to your personal my Social Security account right now, this option is going away. We have not yet determined when the username/password will be removed. Once this sign-in option goes away, you will be required to have a Login.gov or ID.me account if you want to continue to access your personal my Social Security account and our many convenient online services. We are encouraging customers to transition now rather than waiting.
What happens if customers don't make the transition before the deadline?
We strongly encourage you to make the transition now as the username sign-in option will be removed in the future. You will be able to continue using your username until you are required to transition. When the username option is removed you will be required to have or to create a Login.gov or ID.me account to access many of our online services.
My profile email address is no longer valid. How do I change to a new email?
If you need to change your my Social Security account email address, please log in to your personal my Social Security account with your username and password. When prompted for the security code, indicate that you no longer have access to that email. Follow the on-screen instructions and request a reset code, which will be sent by U.S. mail to your verified address.
What should I do if I got the following error message? "Bad Request. Your browser sent a request that this server could not understand. Size of a request header field exceeds server limit."
Please close all internet browsers, check your internet connection, and try again.
What if I live outside the United States?
Customers living outside the U.S. 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.
What is a backup code?
Only Login.gov customer support can assist with a backup code: Authentication methods. A backup code is an option for customers who do not have access to a phone. If you select this option, Login.gov will generate a set of ten codes. After you sign in with your username and password, you will be prompted for 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 these codes with the same level of care as you would your password.
Backup codes are the least secure option for two-factor authentication. Backup codes must be printed or written down, which makes them more vulnerable to theft and phishing.
For assistance, visit the Login.gov help center.
One option mentioned is the USB security key. Can that USB key work with two different accounts, for example, SSA and a bank account? Or do I have to buy two of them?
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.
I need to change my phone number so I can get a code and continue the transition process. I cannot find where to change the phone number.
For assistance with the phone number associated with your Login.gov account, please visit Change the phone number associated with your account.
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 contact information in the Security Settings screen of your personal my Social Security account. If you no longer have access to your cell phone number, you may request a reset code online.
Why do I need to provide ID for the transition process?
In some cases, we or one of our credential service providers may need to obtain additional evidence to verify your identity and protect your personal information.
What if I share an email address with another person, like my spouse?
Each customer is required to create their own unique Login.gov account using a unique email address. You may not share your account or an email address with anyone, including spouses or other family members.
What is a "legacy account"?
The term "legacy account" refers to a personal my Social Security account created before September 18, 2021, with a username and password. Beginning September 18, 2021, all new my Social Security customers were required to create an account with 1 of our 2 credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me.
What is an activation code?
If you create a new Login.gov credential, you will need an activation code to finish transitioning your personal my Social Security account. You only have to do this part once. You are given the option to receive your activation code by mail, text message, or automated phone call. In some cases, we must mail you an activation code because we are unable to verify your phone number. You should receive your activation code in the mail within 10 days. The activation code is valid for 30 days. If you do not activate your account within 30 days, you must request a new activation code. If you are having problems receiving or entering your activation code, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say "Help Desk" at the voice prompt.
What is a security code?
A security code is a one-time code that we send to a customer's email or cellphone as part of the two-factor authentication process. We require the customer to enter the one-time security code online every time they attempt to sign in to their secure my Social Security account.
Why am I not receiving the security code I requested?
It is possible that multi-factor text messages are blocked on your phone, or you have previously opted out of receiving text messages from Social Security. Please verify with your cellphone provider that text messages from Social Security are allowed. If you have previously opted out of our text messages by replying STOP, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say "Help Desk" at the voice prompt.
Why am I being asked to transition from a Social Security username to Login.gov?
In the future, you will no longer be able to sign in to your my Social Security account with your Social Security username. You will need an account with one of our credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me. This will simplify your sign-in experience and better align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to our online services.
How do I transition my existing Social Security username to Login.gov?
When you sign in with your Social Security username, you will be presented with an option to transition to Login.gov. If you choose to transition, you will be asked to create or sign in to your existing Login.gov account to complete the process. Watch our 3-minute video to see how to transition your personal my Social Security account.
What if I've forgotten my password for my Social Security account?
If you cannot remember or need to reset your Social Security password for your account, visit the sign-in page and select the "Sign in with Social Security Username". From there, select "Forgot Password?" and complete the steps.
What will happen to my current Social Security username?
Once you have successfully linked your Login.gov account to your Social Security username, you will no longer use your Social Security username to sign in. Instead, you will use Login.gov.
If I already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, do I need to create a new one?
No. If you have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use your existing account to access Social Security services.
Can I have both a Login.gov and ID.me account?
You can have an account with both Login.gov and ID.me and access your personal my Social Security account with either one.
Can I still use my Social Security username?
You may continue to use your Social Security username if you decide not to transition now, but the username option will be removed in the future, and you will be required to have an ID.me or Login.gov account to access many of Social Security's online services. We encourage you to make the transition now.
Do I need to do anything if I created my Social Security account on or after September 18, 2021?
No. You are all set. Accounts created on and after this date use Login.gov or ID.me.
Where can I get help?
- With Social Security username - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 if you are locked out of your personal my Social Security username/password account, if you have a security freeze/fraud alert on your credit report, or if you want to change your Multi-Factor Authentication method. Our 800# is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say "Help Desk" at the voice prompt.
- With assistance for Login.gov accounts - Login.gov help center.
- With assistance for ID.me accounts - ID.me help center.
How are you notifying people about the change?
We sent emails to my Social Security account users telling them about the change. The email contains a link and details for making the transition.
If you are worried about scams, most emails from Social Security come from a ".gov" email address. If an email address does not end in ".gov", you should use caution before opening attachments or clicking on pictures or links in the email. Links to www.ssa.gov - our official website - will always begin with https://www.ssa.gov/ or https://secure.ssa.gov/.
If you are not certain that an email you received came from us, DO NOT respond to the email or click any links in the email message. You can visit www.ssa.gov to access your account. Learn more about how we protect your personal information.