What's changing with Social Security's online services
Social Security is moving away from the username and password system you may have used to log into your account online. Starting in 2024, the agency is requiring users to sign in through Login.gov, a federal authentication system that uses stronger security methods. If you currently have a my Social Security account, you will need to migrate to this new system — Social Security is not accepting new accounts under the old method anymore.
The shift affects how you access your Social Security Statement, check your earnings record, manage representative payee accounts, and request a replacement Social Security card online. The change is being phased in, so some people may see the transition sooner than others. You do not lose your account information; it transfers over, but you will need to set up Login.gov credentials to continue accessing it.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security is replacing its username-and-password login with Login.gov, a more secure federal system that uses multi-factor authentication.
- Existing my Social Security account holders must migrate to Login.gov to keep accessing their account; the old login method will stop working.
- Login.gov uses your email address and phone number or authenticator app, not a password you create at Social Security.
- You can set up a Login.gov account now rather than waiting for Social Security to force the transition, which gives you time to troubleshoot.
- If you cannot use digital access, you can still visit a local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to handle account matters in person or by phone.
How to set up your Login.gov account before the deadline
You can create a Login.gov account right now at login.gov, even if you do not yet have a my Social Security account. Start by entering your email address and creating a strong password. Login.gov will send you a confirmation email — click the link to verify your address.
Next, you will add a phone number or set up an authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator). This is the multi-factor authentication step — it means that even if someone gets your password, they cannot log in without access to your phone or app. Login.gov will text a code to your phone or your app will generate one; you enter that code to finish setup.
Once your Login.gov account is active, go to ssa.gov and select "Sign in with Login.gov." If you already have a my Social Security account, Social Security will recognize your identity and link your existing account to your new Login.gov credentials. If you do not yet have a my Social Security account, you can create one after signing in through Login.gov.
What happens if you do not migrate before Social Security forces the change
Social Security has not announced a hard cutoff date when the old login system will stop working entirely, but the agency is phasing out access gradually. If you wait until you are forced to switch, you may find yourself locked out of your account temporarily while you set up Login.gov.
The safest approach is to migrate now, while you have time to work through any problems. If you run into trouble setting up Login.gov — for example, if you do not receive the confirmation email or the text code — you can contact Login.gov support directly through their website, or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for help linking your account.
What you can still do without logging in online
You do not need a my Social Security account or Login.gov to handle many routine matters. You can request a replacement Social Security card through your state's motor vehicle department in most states, or by mail using Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov). You can also check your earnings record by requesting a Statement of Earnings by mail, though this takes longer than checking online.
If you receive Social Security benefits, you can report a change of address, phone number, or direct deposit information by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office. Representative payees and people managing accounts for others can also handle most tasks by phone or in person if the digital route becomes too difficult.
Why Social Security is making this change
Login.gov uses multi-factor authentication, which means a hacker who steals your password still cannot access your account without your phone or authenticator app. Social Security's old username-and-password system was vulnerable to credential stuffing attacks, where criminals use passwords leaked from other websites to try to break into Social Security accounts. The agency has reported thousands of attempted unauthorized logins each year.
By moving to Login.gov, Social Security is adopting the same security standard that other federal agencies — including the IRS, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Labor — already use. This also means that if you already have a Login.gov account for another federal service, you can use the same credentials to access Social Security, rather than managing multiple separate logins.
Troubleshooting common problems with Login.gov setup
Not receiving the confirmation email: Check your spam or junk folder first. If it is not there, wait a few minutes and request a new confirmation email from the Login.gov website. If you still do not receive it, try using a different email address, or contact Login.gov support through their website.
Not receiving the text code: Make sure you entered your phone number correctly, including the area code. If you are using an older phone or a phone plan that does not support text messages reliably, set up an authenticator app instead. Download the app to your phone, open it, and select the option to add a new account. Login.gov will show you a QR code to scan, which links your app to your account.
Your Social Security account did not link automatically: This can happen if the name or Social Security number in your Login.gov account does not match Social Security's records exactly. Call 1-800-772-1213 and confirm that your information is correct in Social Security's system. You may need to visit a local office if there is a discrepancy that cannot be resolved by phone.
What to do if you cannot use digital access
If you do not have reliable internet access, a phone that can receive text messages, or a device that can run an authenticator app, you are not locked out of your Social Security account. You can visit your local Social Security office in person to handle any account matters. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment.
Social Security offices can issue replacement cards, update your address or phone number, report changes in your work or income, and help you understand your benefits. You will need to bring a photo ID and proof of your Social Security number (such as your Social Security card, birth certificate, or tax return). Call ahead to confirm what documents you need for your specific request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use Login.gov, or can I keep using my old Social Security username and password?
Social Security is phasing out the old login system. New accounts can only be created through Login.gov now, and existing accounts will be migrated over time. You will eventually have to use Login.gov to access your account online, so setting it up now avoids a last-minute rush.
Is Login.gov safe? Will my information be more secure?
Login.gov is a federal system used by multiple agencies and meets strict security standards. Multi-factor authentication — requiring both your password and a code from your phone or app — makes it much harder for someone to break into your account than a password alone. Your Social Security information stays with Social Security; Login.gov only handles the login process.
What if I forget my Login.gov password?
Go to login.gov and select "Forgot your password?" You will be asked to verify your identity using your email address and phone number or authenticator app. Once verified, you can create a new password. You do not need to contact Social Security for password resets.
Can I use the same Login.gov account for Social Security and other government agencies?
Yes. If you already have a Login.gov account for the IRS, Veterans Affairs, or another federal agency, you can use those same credentials to sign into Social Security. You do not need to create a separate Login.gov account for each agency.
What if I do not have a phone number to use with Login.gov?
You can use an authenticator app instead of a phone number. Download an app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator to your computer, tablet, or smartphone, and use that to generate the security code. If you do not have access to any device that can run an app, contact Login.gov support or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 for other options.