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my Social Security Saves You Time for the Important Things

April 30, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

Time is our most valuable resource. How you spend it is important. A my Social Security account helps free your time for the important things. What is a my Social Security account? Watch this video to find out:

Have you got a personal my Social Security account? If not, open yours today. You’ll find it’s easy, convenient, and secure.

This Financial Literacy Month, take control of your future, and see what you can do online.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Michael T.

    I received the letter with the “reset code”. Logic would suggest that you enter it as your password as others above have indicated. However, that does not work. One of your comments indicates to sign in as normal and then enter the “reset code” THAT ALSO DOES NOT WORK. Looking at the number of comments I think you should evaluate how this works. Maybe a location that says ENTER RESET CODE HERE

  2. Cathleen M.

    Very depressing to see that so many of us are asking the same question, and that website’s response is…robotIc, i.e.
    useless. Why is there no way to enter the reset code???

    • V.V.

      Hi Cathleen, thanks for using our blog. If you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account, and you need to change the second factor, you then can request a reset code online. The system will mail a reset code letter to the address on file. You then enter this reset code online, after signing in with your username and password, to change the second factor associated with your information. If you forgot your password, and the password reset questions didn’t work, we can send a temporary password in some circumstances. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password. We hope this helps.

    • Eric R.

      Exactly!!! Same robotic answer, which is really NO ANSWER. Good luck everyone.

  3. Renee C.

    I rec’d my 4th reset code & still unable to use it . Someone definitely dropped the ball on this & now using the pandemic as an excuse. This issue needs to be resolved asap. Please address this matter.

    • V.V.

      Hi Renee, thanks for using our blog. If you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account, and you need to change the second factor, you then can request a reset code online. The system will mail a reset code letter to the address on file. You then enter this reset code online, after signing in with your username and password, to change the second factor associated with your information.

      If you forgot your password, and the password reset questions didn’t work, we can send a temporary password in some circumstances. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password.

      For assistance with your account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  4. Sherry

    I’m also having a problem with my reset code. I haven’t been able to access my account for several months. This is not a user friendly website.

  5. Dolores H.

    I received a letter to reset my password.
    I’ve tried it once and it didn’t work. I don’t want to let locked out again and wait for over a couple of weeks to receive instructions again. In reading some blogs, apparently there is no way to reset your password.
    Has anyone in your office tried it to make sure it works? Ive done searches on the website for assistance and very frustrating

    • V.V.

      Hi Dolores, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  6. Stephanie B.

    I got my reset code and tried using it but will not work. I put in my username and used redet code as password and does not work?
    where do you enter reset code. paperwork does not tell you?

    • V.V.

      Hi Stephanie, thanks for using the blog. Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing with your my Social Security account. If you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account, and you need to change the second factor, you then can request a reset code online. You do not use a reset code if you forgot your password. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password. We hope this helps.

      • Cheryl O.

        WHERE DO YOU INPUT THE RESET CODE? Vonda, you have NOT ANSWERED the question. A lot of us are having the same issue. This is a terrible way to treat taxpayers.
        I am beginning to think you are a chatbot and not a real person.

        • V.V.

          Hi Cheryl. Sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing with your my Social Security account. When you sign in with your username and password, it will then ask if you received a reset letter. You select “Yes, let’s begin” . The reset code is issued when you need to change the second factor authentication method associated with your information.

          For assistance with your account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

          • Nicole M.

            Incorrect VONDA! I had to get a reset code because I couldn’t remember my password to get in and I have a new telephone number. I waited almost 3 weeks for this code to come in the mail, and now youre saying we need to log in with username and password to enter reset code??? This doesn’t make any sense!!! You are no help at all! FIRED!!!

        • dawn

          I think you are right.. if you look at the answers, they are literally all the same. I am having the same problem. I asked for a password reset because I can’t recall mine, and get the reset code. No place to put it in anywhere.

        • Adolph T.

          I think this is a automated answering machine. This can’t be a real person answering our question. “How do we use the reset code that was sent in the mail to us.”

          • V.V.

            Hi Adolph, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. A reset code can only be used after signing in to your my Social Security account with your username and password. It is used when you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account.

            Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password.

  7. Jennifer S.

    How can I rest my account

    • V.V.

      Hi Jennifer, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username and password. We hope this helps!

  8. john k.

    I want to delete my “trial” application for SS Retirement Benefits. Not an option. No warning that by experimenting with online process my data would be forever locked in. I’ve decided to apply in person/over phone.

    I’ve never before had a website refuse an option to delete all entries if I did not intend to send.

    • V.V.

      Hi John, thanks for using our blog. To make an appointment to apply for retirement benefits, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  9. Valerie C.

    I want to reset my password. This is very frustrating. Where do I go on your website?

  10. Mart

    There is no where to enter reset code. When I try to log in it does not ask if I received a letter with a reset code. Once I try three times the site blocks me for 24 hours. NICE … This website is the worst in the world. When I tried to call I was told it was closed then was told the office is open from 7am to 12 midnight,….. wrong … it is 6:30pm…. what a mess …. just like all other government agencies… remember Obama’s insurance site? Dummies … get a paycheck and that’s about it …. nice gig if you can con your way into one …. SS ….??? you suck

    • Kenneth P.

      I’m having the same issue, no where to enter my reset code, I’ve been locked out of my website now for over a year, we would really like an answer where or how to reset our password account for SSA

    • Linda F.

      So frustrating. Trying to resolve for well over a year now. I finally get a reset code and there’s no way to enter.

      Obviously, I’m not the only one having this problem. Suggest someone address the issue right away.

      • V.V.

        Hi Linda, thanks for using our blog. If you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account, and you need to change the second factor, you then can request a reset code online. The system will mail a reset code letter to the address on file. You then enter this reset code online, after signing in with your username and password, to change the second factor associated with your information.

        If you forgot your password, and the password reset questions didn’t work, we can send a temporary password in some circumstances. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password. We hope this helps.

        • Cathy M.

          I have a reset code. I tried logging in, forgot my password and my security answers, while correct, aren’t being accepted. Still can’t find a place to enter the reset code.
          I agree, the website is not user friendly, if you end up requesting a reset code. There should be a clear reset code option on the sign in page. I certainly shouldn’t have to request and wait on a temporary password.
          The reset code will be expired by then. This is my second reset code, as the first one expired because I didn’t use it right away. Why make the process so difficult?

          • Carrie W.

            Where is the spot to enter out reset code???

          • SOPHIA C.

            Hello I’m having the same problem my reset code expires 3/9. It’s telling me that I not giving enough information help me please

          • V.V.

            Hi Sophia, thanks for using our blog. If you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account, and you need to change the second factor, you then can request a reset code online. The system will mail a reset code letter to the address on file. You then enter this reset code online, after signing in with your username and password, to change the second factor associated with your information. If you forgot your password, and the password reset questions didn’t work, we can send a temporary password in some circumstances. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password. We hope this helps.

        • Nicole M.

          This doesn’t make any sense!!! I requested a reset code because I don’t remember my password, and I couldnt be verified by phone because I have a new phone number. We cant log in with username and password to enter a reset code, again, that’s why we requested a reset code in the first place!! HELLO????
          Where can we enter a reset code to get into our account and reset the password???? Answer the dang question! This is beyond frustrating!!

          • V.V.

            Hi Nicole. Thanks for using our blog. You do not use a reset code if you forgot your password. If you forgot your password:

            To reset your password:
            1.Go to “Forgot Password”;
            2.Enter your username, Social Security number, and date of birth;
            3.Answer three identity verification questions; and
            4.Create and confirm a new password once we have successfully established your identity.

            To reset your password if you have forgotten your password reset answers:
            1.Go to “Forgot Password”;
            2.Enter your username, Social Security number, and date of birth; and
            3.On the password reset questions screen, select “I can’t remember my answers”:
            •If you have registered only your cell phone as your second factor, we will email you a temporary password.
            •If you have registered email as a second method of identification, or have not registered any second method, we will send a temporary password letter to your registered address in 5 to 10 business days.

            Once you get the temporary password, use it to sign in to your account and reset your password.

            To change your existing password:

            Sign in with your username and password. On the Security Settings page, select “Update Password.”

        • Will H.

          When you say “sign in,” how do you do that without an activation code? Do you type the reset code in the box for the activation code?

        • Will H.

          In using a reset code when I sign in, do you type the reset code in the box for the “activation code”?

          • V.V.

            Hi Will, thanks for using our blog. If you no longer have access to the second factor (cell phone or email address) on your account, and you need to change the second factor, you then can request a reset code online. You have to first sign in with your username and password before you are prompted to enter the reset code. If you forgot your password, and the password reset questions didn’t work, we can send a temporary password in some circumstances. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to retrieve or change your username or password. We hope this helps.

    • Patricia C.

      YES, YES, YES, YES. I HATE IT TOO

      • EUGENE J.

        same problem. they speak of activation codes and security codes. but no where to enter reset code.

        this has happened before and i gave up.

        as you can social security responses to issue are off point.

    • Carrie W.

      I have the same problem! It’s crazy they haven’t addressed this.

      • John

        The reason you are havong problems is because SS is forcing people to use their 3rd party verification company. This is a private company that uses your credit and family information to verify who you are. In a nut shell. SS is selling your information.

        • V.V.

          Hi John. As a Federal agency, the Privacy Act of 1974 requires us to protect the information we collect from you. We respect your right to privacy and will protect it when you visit our website. We have always treated the privacy of our customers with utmost importance. Check out our Privacy Policy which explains our online information practices. Of course, our policy does not apply to third-party websites or other search engines that may be used prior to accessing Social Security’s site.

          All of our online applications use an identity verification process to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security information. Using our online services to file for benefits is safe and secure.

    • Maria

      DEAR ADMINISTRATION
      my name is maria a martinez and i just got a letter say that i owe some thing in the social
      security office i do not owe any thing becuse all i get from you is 595 and219 that is all i get becuse of my sickness that i got if yous need any more information fill free to call me my number is 7206497960 think yous

      • V.V.

        For your security, Maria, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

Comments are closed.