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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Robert W.
Why does the website say that you can get a replacement SS card by applying online? Either this policy has been revoked, or the online links don’t work.
R.F.
Hello Robert, you can use a my Social Security account to apply for a replacement Social Security card online if you meet certain requirements. Click here for more information.
Gwendolyn B.
I created an account some years back and I can’t remember my user name and password.
Roy G.
I am having difficulty resetting “MySocialSecurity” password. I have called in to the Greenville, Texas office and this week I received two seperate letters: “Your one-time reset code is 12345678. This reset code expires June 23, 2018. and “Your one-time reset code is 87654321. This reset code expires June 22, 2018. At step 4 “Choose how you want to receive your security code.” How do I find where I enter the code I received? I do not remember my security answers.
R.F.
If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Gloria B.
I can’t get into my online account. Is there a number I can call to get help
R.F.
Hello Gloria, if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
MARGARET C.
I got my reset code in the mail. Where do I enter the code online?
R.F.
For assistance with your “my Social Security” account:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
James A.
How can i reset my user name, email and pass word. Set this up a long time ago. Dont recall the ino i used
R.F.
If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
eliz s.
a women name donna Collins at address 1329 Campbell ave sw Roanoke, va 24016 has two other aduts living there and three grankids and its only her on her address and not these other people no I wish not to say my name the person on this account is not me I am using her laptop sense I do not have an email account this lady is letting me use her email
Vickie L.
I am blocked out of “my Social Security” but it is not telling me if my Username or password is wrong. I just used this username and password on 2-16-18. Please help, Thank You Vickie
R.F.
Hi Vickie, if If ou are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Jerry D.
WHY have you people made it so difficult to contact social security. I HAVE AN ACCOUNT THAT I USE TO BE ABLE TO LOG ON TO. CANT REMEMBER MY PASSWORD, OR SECURITY QUESTIONS SO YOU SHUT ME OUT !!! NO PHONE NUMBER REFERENCED FOR CONTACT. NO CHAT SERVICE. YOU PEOPLE ARE MORONS. THE ELDERLY HAVE NO CHANCE WITH YOU JERKS !!!! WHAT A CRAPPY SERVICE.
Tina L.
Since you want to encourage online services why not email my social security statements to me? Too complicated huh?
R.F.
Hi Tina! Unfortunately and for security reasons, wee do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Thanks.