General, Online Services

my Social Security 101: When You Need Additional Help With Your Account

May 20, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Sometimes we need help with or have questions about our online accounts. For your convenience, we want to share some frequently asked questions you may find helpful with your personal my Social Security account needs.

What if I forgot my username or password?

It happens to all of us on occasion. We can’t remember our username or password. If you’ve forgotten your username or password – perhaps even both – we have you covered. Visit our my Social Security Sign In page and select “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password.” Follow the prompts, and in just a few minutes you will be back in business – Social Security business.

What if I am locked out of my account?

Your account may be locked because you – or perhaps someone else – entered inconsistent or incorrect information. We lock your account to protect your information. If you are locked out of your account, you can call our my Social Security Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213 from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. When you call, say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.

How can I block access to my account?

We know that in certain instances, like for victims of domestic violence or identity theft, you may want to block access to your information.  You can choose to block any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record. When you do this, no one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information online or through our automated telephone service.

Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local Social Security office if you need to block access to your record. You can find the number for your local office using our Office Locator. If you change your mind in the future, you can contact us and ask us to unblock it.

What if I live overseas?

At this time, you must have a United States mailing address to create a personal my Social Security account. People with an overseas APO/FPO/DPO address can create an account, but our system does not yet support registration for users with a foreign address. However, you may be able to access our services by creating an ID.me account. ID.me is a Single Sign-On provider that meets the U.S. government’s most rigorous requirements for online identity proofing and authentication. On our my Social Security account set up page, select Sign in with ID.me and follow the link to create an ID.me account.

We recommend that people living outside the U.S. contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or U.S. embassy for any assistance related to our programs and benefits. Our Office of Earnings and International Operations page also has more information.

What if I need additional help?

We’re happy to help with any difficulties you’re having with your personal my Social Security account. For assistance, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Lines are open from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. You can also contact your local Social Security office.

We encourage you to sign up for your personal my Social Security account if you haven’t done so. Please share this information with your family and friends—and help us spread the word on social media.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Comments

  1. john

  2. Daughn

    Is SSA currently sending people social security verification letters in lieu of their social security card? A candidate attempted to use this as their i9 document at a hiring event today. It had no return address and listed the persons full ssn number twice on the letter. It didn’t look very unofficial. Can you confirm if you’re currently sending out letters like this?

  3. Kim

    I’d like taxes taken out of my SS. I completed the required form, but I was directed to contact my local office which is closed due to Covid. When will offices reopen, and is there another alternative to submit the form to SSA?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Kim. In order to have taxes withheld from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). On this form, you can choose to have 7, 10, 12, or 22 percent of your monthly benefit withheld. The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.

  4. Debra M.

    I have tried repeatedy to get help to access my account. The reset code sent via mail from my local office did not work.
    So frustrating!
    Please help me!

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Debra. We are sorry to hear about your experience. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We offer a few different ways to reset your password. For more information, check out our frequently asked questions . If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Your local office can also assist. We hope this is helps.

  5. Glenn M.

    I have not been able to log into mySSA for nearly a month. The reset code sent to me did not work. Even tried creating a new account as instructed by the phone rep. Still will not work.
    Twice I’ve tried this and all I get from you is “wait ten business days” for the new letter/code. The last one was useless and I’m sure the new one will be also. When will I ever get access to my account?? The right will never what the left is doing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  8. Henry J.

    Towards the end of 2020 & into 2021, I contacted SS multiple times when unable to log in to MySocialSecurity website. It rejected my password and, when I tried to change password, rejected answers to security questions. I followed instructions on website but never hesrd back from SS. I even wrote (mailed) letters & still no response. How do I get back on MySocialSecurity website?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Henry. We are sorry to hear that. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Your local office can also assist. Thanks.

  9. Phillip S.

    What day should I apply for my first check. I’m eligible at 09/15 (my 66th birthday)…… do I apply in November?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Philip. Please bear in mind that the decision on when to apply for benefits is a personal one. We can only provide you with the information to help you make the best choice according to your own situation.
      Our Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law. It also points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. Social Security retirement applications can be filed up to 4 months in advance. We hope this helps.

  10. Htet S.

    Hello U.S

    • Alizee c.

      🙂 <3 💪

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