The Social Security website now has a redesigned portal with a new login system and different ways to view your account

Social Security updated its online portal to use a single sign-in method called Login.gov instead of the old username and password system. If you have a my Social Security account, you will need to set up a Login.gov account to access it. The new portal shows your earnings record, benefit statements, and payment history in a reorganised layout. Some features moved to different locations, and a few older tools were removed entirely.

The update rolled out in phases starting in 2023, and most accounts were migrated by mid-2024. If you have not logged in recently, you may see a message asking you to create a Login.gov account before you can view your information. This is not optional — it is the only way to access the portal now.

Key Takeaways

  • You must create a Login.gov account to access my Social Security, even if you already had an old username and password.
  • Login.gov uses multi-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email), which is more secure but requires an extra step each time you log in.
  • Your earnings record, benefit statement, and payment information are still available, but they are organised differently than before.
  • If you cannot remember your old password or username, you do not need to — you will set up a new Login.gov account from scratch.

How to set up your Login.gov account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign in" button at the top right. Click it, and you will be taken to the Login.gov page. If you do not already have a Login.gov account, select "Create an account." You will need an email address and a phone number that can receive text messages or calls.

Login.gov will send you a verification code to confirm your email. Enter that code, then create a password (at least 12 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and a symbol). Next, you will set up multi-factor authentication — this means choosing whether to receive codes by text, phone call, or an authenticator app. You must complete this step; Social Security does not allow accounts without it.

Once your Login.gov account is set up, go back to ssa.gov and sign in. Social Security will ask you to verify your identity by answering questions about your personal history or by uploading a photo of your ID. This happens only once. After that, you can log in with your Login.gov credentials.

What information you can see in the new portal

The updated portal shows your earnings record — the wages Social Security has on file for each year you worked. You can see how much you earned and how much was withheld for Social Security tax. This record is used to calculate your benefit amount, so it is worth checking for errors.

You can also view your benefit statement, which estimates what you will receive at different ages (62, full retirement age, and 70). The statement includes your current benefit amount if you are already receiving payments. A payment history section shows deposits made to your bank account, usually for the past 12 months.

The portal lets you change your direct deposit information, request a replacement Social Security card (in some states), and view your Social Security Statement — a document that summarizes your work history and benefit estimates. You cannot file for benefits through the portal; you must do that by phone, in person at a local office, or through a video interview.

Differences from the old portal

The old my Social Security portal used a simple username and password. The new one requires Login.gov, which adds a security step but also means you have one login for multiple government websites (IRS, Medicare, Veterans Affairs, and others all use Login.gov now).

Some older features are no longer available online. For example, you can no longer request a benefit verification letter through the portal — you must call Social Security or visit an office. The layout of your earnings record changed, and some users report it takes longer to load. If you use assistive technology or a screen reader, test the new portal to make sure it works with your tools; Social Security has been updating accessibility features but some gaps remain.

The new portal does not show information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. If you receive SSI, you will need to contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your case.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you forgot your Login.gov password, click "Forgot password?" on the Login.gov sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it. You will need access to the email address or phone number you used when you created the account.

If you cannot receive the verification code (for example, if your phone number changed), you can choose a different method — text, phone call, or an authenticator app — during the login process. If none of those work, you will need to contact Login.gov support at login.gov/help or call 1-844-875-6446.

If you have a my Social Security account but cannot remember the email address you used to create it, you cannot recover it through the portal. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation. A representative can help you set up a new account or confirm your identity another way.

Security and privacy in the new portal

Login.gov is managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), a federal agency, not by Social Security directly. It uses encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your account. Your Social Security number, earnings record, and payment information are stored on Social Security's servers, not on Login.gov.

Multi-factor authentication means that even if someone knows your password, they cannot log in without access to your phone or email. This is why Social Security now requires it. If you are concerned about security, you can also set up an authenticator app (like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator) instead of relying on text messages, which are slightly less secure.

Do not share your Login.gov password with anyone, including Social Security employees. Social Security will never ask for your password by phone, email, or mail. If someone claiming to be from Social Security asks for your password or personal information, hang up or delete the message — it is a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Login.gov, or can I keep my old username and password?

No, the old login system is no longer available. Everyone must use Login.gov to access my Social Security. Social Security phased out the old system completely, so there is no option to keep the old credentials.

What if I do not have a phone number that can receive text messages?

You can use a phone call instead of a text message for multi-factor authentication. During setup, choose "Call me" instead of "Text me." You can also use an authenticator app on a computer or tablet if you have one. At least one of these options must work to complete your account.

Can I access my Social Security information on my phone?

Yes, the Social Security website works on phones and tablets. You can log in through a web browser. Social Security also has a mobile app called "Social Security" (available on iOS and Android), but it uses the same Login.gov system to sign in.

What if I see an error in my earnings record?

You can report errors through the portal or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide documents like W-2 forms or tax returns to prove the correct amount. Social Security can take several months to correct errors, so report them as soon as you notice them.

Is the new portal safer than the old one?

Yes, Login.gov and multi-factor authentication are more secure than a simple username and password. However, no system is completely risk-free. Always use a strong, unique password, keep your phone and email secure, and never share your login information with anyone.