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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juhl
Many systems also can send a voice message to your landline so a cell phone isn’t needed. This process they are using is actually 2 step verification, not multi-factor authentication which is entirely different.
M H.
Info SSA put up when starting to enforce the cell phone text requirement: ‘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.’ Not sure how they got their research but obviously NOT from the people actually using this website! Maybe overwhelming majority of adults under 40 years old have cell phones and use them for texting, but certainly not those old enough to get social security, and the ability to text will diminish as people get older, even if they have cell phones. I am SO glad they actually listened and backed off that requirement just two weeks after it started to be enforced. Thank you for listening to us. Please offer the extra security via e-mail or landline phone option as well as cell phone text before enforcing that new requirement again.
Roger S.
I tried to sign in to blog and was told to use a valid email. I don’t know what that means, but I gave a valid email.
Not surprised, soc sec has never done anything right in my years of experience. I gave up dealing with ss long ago…………….Roger S Pimpo
Minerva
So I just found this linkup this Thursday and it is awesome. And Jenna Marbles MAKES ME LAUGH SO HAFouRD.nd you via Comment Love as well, thanks for the lovely comment on mine!
Gary D.
Glad to rolled this back. I’m 73, do NOT have a cell phone & do not want one and will not be getting one. So come up with a system that keeps in mind who you are currently dealing with, not 20 years olds!!.
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Greg P.
same here, i agree
Ray F.
Hi Gary. You spoke, we listened. We removed the requirement to use a cell phone to access your #mySocialSecurity account, while we continue to pursue more options beyond cell phone texting. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.
Marvin U.
I have a cell phone but I can’t receive a text from you outside the US
Ray F.
Hi Marvin. We listened to the public’s concerns. We removed the requirement to use a cell phone to access your personal my Social Security account. While it is not mandatory, we encourage you who have a text capable cell phone to take advantage of this optional extra security, which has always been available. We continue to pursue more options beyond cell phone texting. Thanks!
Janice R.
Absolutely ridiculous to send a text only to cell phones when you do not have access to all clients’ cell phones. (Of COURSE I did not get any such text.) Even more ridiculous to require use of cell phones for client access. Most of your clients by definition are 60 and up. One wonders which rocket scientist came up with this system.
Fermina P.
hi i have not comply with the new security because my account was locked is not let me log in
Ray F.
Hi Fermina, 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. Also, you can call your local Social Security office directly and explain your situation. Thanks!
Cherie M.
To Kimberly Byrd, CPA office of the Controller
Why have not you written us for you investigation
as to why were were not paid our worth and were
paid pennies on the dollar on our claim.
should be paid 15000 a month. Please answer us.
S D.
Thank you, Thank you for listening to us seniors who voiced are concern with texts. Suggestions: email an authentication or an automated phone call authentication. Our investment firm has two options – texting an authentication code OR an automated phone call giving me an authentication code to enter. The phone call works well for us – we do not have texting.
DJ
I have had no problem getting into my soc security account
Greg P.
Wait till next time.