New Online Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
We’ve added an extra layer of security for our customers when they interact with us online. Now, my Social Security account holders are required to use their cell phone — in addition to their username and password — as another authentication factor during online registration and every sign in. An authentication factor is information used to determine if someone is who they claim to be.
This extra layer of security is called “multifactor authentication” and complies with an executive order requiring federal agencies to provide more secure authentication for their online services. Any agency that provides online access to a customer’s personal information must now use multifactor authentication.
Since my Social Security became available in May 2012, almost 26 million people have created an account. We have always offered multifactor authentication, but only for customers who opted for extra security. For your protection, we now require multifactor authentication for all my Social Security users. To register and sign in, you must now enter a security code that we will send to your cell phone. Your cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply.
Our research shows that an overwhelming majority of American adults have cell phones and use them for texting. Because of technical and resource constraints, we are not currently able to offer alternative methods of satisfying this security requirement. However, we may consider adding more options in the future. We appreciate your patience as we work continuously to secure your online information.
We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. Multifactor authentication is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety and security of the resources entrusted to us. Visit my Social Security to learn more about this helpful suite of online services, including additional details about our latest security measures.
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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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L. F.
I also do not have a cell phone with text messaging activated. This requirement discriminates against older persons who do not use that technology and do not want to pay for it. Whoever came up with this solution does not consider what works for older social security recipients. My financial institutions allow a code to be received by a telephone call, an e-mail or a text message. This is proven technology and would have been a much SMARTER solution. Why could Social Security not think of that obvious solution?
G. T.
I have a CD in a bank that since I don’t mark my PC as my own, but as public, they phone my home phone and I get a robot telling me the code I need to enter to get into my account. This should basically cost them nothing to start, and have everyone covered.
Ron
This is discrimination . Why is the Government always the Bad Guy?
thatguythere
This is insane. I plan to complain to my elected representatives. Maybe if enough people complain they’ll do something about it.
Ken F.
Certain constraints prohibit other than the text message option. Thanks guys , we seniors really appreciate how you work to accommodate ALL SS recipients
JMyers
The texting requirement is a terrible idea that will hurt the people who are most dependent on Social Security. Which bumbling, clueless bureaucrat conjured up this ridiculous requirement? Banks and financial institutions allow customers to verify their identity through email, phone numbers or texting. Why can’t the SSA do this?
Marysue S.
My husband and I have Virgin Mobile and Verizon cell phones with texting capability, and we can’t receive the SSA text messages! We are locked out of our accounts.
SSA did not work out the bugs with this new system before launching it. It does not work. It reminds me of the government healthcare website launch that was riddled with problems.
R.F.
Hi Marysue, if you still having troubles, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
vjones
which cell phone provider is profiting from this BAD IDEA.
i use a basic cell phone for emergencies, not as a second phone. Text features would have me update my BASIC phone and add text services. NO THANK YOU. NO COLA and you want us to shell out more money to see if our payments are correct or to request a benefit letter???
Concerned C.
I called the SSA to address this concern about cellphones for my Mom and Dad, who don’t have cell phones. I asked if my cell phone can be used to get them their codes and was told “No, each of them needs a cell phone of their own”. This seemed ridiculous to me and I asked to get a number where I can lodge my official complaint. The man was VERY rude to me, he told to me to call my Congressman if I am dissatisfied with this rule. I asked to speak to his supervisor and he told me no, I cannot speak to his supervisor and then hung up on me. HE HUNG UP ON ME !!! How do you employ such people who are rude and act in unprofessional ways? My tax dollars are paying for that rude man’s paycheck. His name was Bill and my call was taken between 9:30 and 10am today EST. I would like to know where I can lodge a formal complaint both about this onerous cellphone requirement AND about the rudeness of the SSA employee.
R.F.
We are very sorry to hear about your unpleasant experience and we understand your frustration. To submit feedback, visit our Contact Social Security page, then select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. Thanks.
tony
Social Security should give us a big COLA raise, so we can afford to purchase cell phone service.