Update to New Online Security
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: November 3, 2023
On July 30, 2016, Social Security began requiring new and current my Social Security account holders to sign into their account using a one-time code sent via text message. This second layer of security that requires more than a username and a password is known as “multifactor authentication.” We recently mandated this second layer of security to comply with the President’s Executive Order on Improving the Security of Consumer Financial Transactions. We implemented it aggressively because we have a fundamental responsibility to protect the public’s personal information.
Our aggressive implementation resulted in some of our customers being unable to access their personal my Social Security accounts. We listened to the public’s concerns, and have temporarily rolled back this mandate.
As before July 30, current account holders will be able to access their secure account using only their username and password. We highly recommend the extra security text message option, but it will not be required. Now, we are developing an alternative authentication option, besides text messaging, that we will implement within the next six months.
We strive to balance security and customer service options, and we want to ensure that our online services are both easy to use and secure. The best way to secure your information is to create a personal my Social Security account. If a person already has an account, a fraudulent attempt to create an account would be unsuccessful. The my Social Security service has always featured a robust verification and authentication process, and it remains safe and secure.
We regret any inconvenience you may have experienced. Open or access your personal my Social Security account today.
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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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Nancy K.
I have tried two times to add extra security to my account and both times it said that it was unsuccessful. I want to add the most protection possible to my account. Please assist me.
Jeffery M.
Is there extra security in place when your security card is used tp apply for receive credit cards ,oans and other online uses with a stollen security number
Ann C.
Hi, Jeffery. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps.
Michael A.
Reset my password
PATRICK R.
how can i change my security questions? and i would like a text instead of an email code to enter when im on your site …please tell me what i need to do number to text to is 619-980-3503 thanks!
Ann C.
Hi, Patrick. For assistance 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Janet M.
How can I change my user name and password for my existing account
Ann C.
Hi, Janet. Thanks for your question. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for instructions on how to change your username and password. We hope this helps.
John A.
I lost my username for my account.
Vonda V.
Hi John, thanks for using our blog. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve your username.
If you encounter a problem, 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”.
Lynne M.
I am unable get into my account it’s been over a year since I used this account, and I have forgotten my user name and password, my email address has changed. It’s hlynne437@yahoo.com PLEASE HELP
Vonda V.
Hi Lynne: See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, 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”.
Cynthia S.
How do I retrieve my user name & password for my account I have already created?
Don W.
Click to send me code through email but I don’t ever receive it? My wife did hers on the same computer and got her code?
Vonda V.
Hi Don, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties with your my Social Security account. For assistance with your 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.
JerryAnnUWells
I want to change my account username. How can I do this?
Vonda V.
Hi Jerry: See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your username or password. If you encounter a problem, 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”.