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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michelle
I have created an account with social security ity previously using a different email or user ID how do I get into my account now if I do not know them
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!
Herman W.
I did not receive my February payment (approx. $1,880.10) and a message indicated I was notified 3 times to change profile information? I changed my password on 12/17/2017 using the code sent to me which was 39421569. I made no other changes and received my benefit amount promptly on January 2018. But not for February. I’ve made no other changes.
R.F.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks.
Lexus823@msn.com
SS tells me my account i have had since i signed up CANT B FOUND. This is there problem not mine, and I’m told to come to one of there offices and sit there for a day. LOL
Lexus823@msn.com
I have been knocked off line by SS, they will not help me get back on line, everything was good up till a month ago .what is going on with the SS? there response go to the nearest Office and get it fixed. spend the day there. there fault u pay the price.
Sally H.
I tried to enroll in my account but signing in, it would NOT let me type the “.com” portion of my username/-why not? It wiuld NOT let me go any further—why not? I do not have time
to waste!!
R.F.
We’re sorry that you’re having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account, Sally.
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!
Lexus823@msn.com
the phone is a waste of time, i work for a living, 45 hrs a week, aint sitting at a office all day .
Gurjivan S.
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Virginia C.
very informative.
R.F.
Thank you for sharing your comment, Virginia!
George M.
I need my work history but system would not allow me access.
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience, George. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, 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. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
wayne c.
this is impossible to set up.new code keeps me out fine
Mike
email and text messages are NOT secure. They are sent un-encrypted and can be intercepted by a third party. Second factor authentication is a great Idea but this is NOT the way to do it. Try again! In the mean time, I can’t (won’t) log in!