The SSI website sign-in process has changed, and you may need to use a new method to access your account

The Social Security Administration (SSA) periodically updates its online systems, including the sign-in process for my Social Security accounts. If you have tried to log in recently and encountered a different screen, a new password requirement, or an error message, the website may have been updated. The most common change in recent years has been the shift to a login.gov account, which is a single sign-in system used across multiple federal agencies.

If you created a my Social Security account before 2023, you may still be able to use your old username and password, but SSA has been encouraging users to switch to login.gov for better security. The process is straightforward, but it does require you to verify your identity in a new way.

Key Takeaways

  • The SSA now uses login.gov as its primary sign-in system, though some older accounts may still work with the original my Social Security login.
  • To create or update your account, you will need to provide your Social Security number, email address, and a phone number that you can access.
  • Identity verification through login.gov requires you to upload a photo ID or answer security questions based on your credit history.
  • If you cannot remember your password or username, you can reset it directly on the login page without calling SSA.
  • The SSA website does not send unsolicited emails asking you to sign in or verify your account — any such email is likely a scam.

How to sign in with your current account

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button, usually in the upper right corner of the page. You will be taken to a login screen. If you have an existing my Social Security account, you can enter your username and password as before. If you see a message saying your account has been migrated to login.gov, follow the on-screen instructions to link your old account to the new system.

If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one. Click "Create an Account" and choose whether to use login.gov or create a my Social Security account directly. Login.gov is now the recommended method because it includes stronger security features.

Creating a login.gov account for SSA access

Go to login.gov and click "Create an Account." Enter your email address and create a password that is at least 12 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You will receive a confirmation email — click the link in that email to verify your address.

Next, you will set up two-factor authentication, which means you will receive a code on your phone or email each time you sign in. Choose whether to use text message, a phone call, or an authentication app. This step is required and cannot be skipped.

After two-factor authentication is set up, you will verify your identity. Login.gov offers two paths: you can upload a photo of your driver's license or state ID, or you can answer security questions based on your credit history. The photo ID method is usually faster. If you choose the credit history questions, you will be asked details about past loans, addresses, or accounts — answer based on what is actually in your credit file, not what you think should be there.

Linking your SSA account to login.gov

Once your login.gov account is verified, go to ssa.gov and sign in using your login.gov credentials. The system will ask you to confirm your Social Security number and date of birth. If this is your first time signing in with login.gov, you may be asked to answer a few security questions to confirm your identity with SSA as well.

After you sign in successfully, your my Social Security account will be linked to login.gov. From that point forward, you will use your login.gov email and password to access your SSA information, not your old my Social Security username.

What to do if you cannot sign in

If you see an error message or cannot remember your password, click "Forgot Password" on the login screen. You will receive an email with instructions to reset your password. This works for both login.gov and my Social Security accounts.

If you do not receive a password reset email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If the email is not there, make sure you are entering the correct email address associated with your account. If you are still stuck, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with a representative. Wait times are usually shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon on weekdays.

Protecting yourself from fake SSA sign-in pages

Scammers sometimes create fake SSA or login.gov pages that look almost identical to the real ones. Always type the web address directly into your browser instead of clicking a link in an email or text message. The real SSA website is ssa.gov and the real login site is login.gov — check the address bar to make sure you are on the correct site before entering your password.

The SSA will never send you an unsolicited email asking you to sign in, verify your account, or confirm your information. If you receive such an email, it is a scam. Do not click any links in it. You can forward the email to oig.report@ssa.gov to report it to SSA's Office of Inspector General.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to switch to login.gov, or can I keep using my old my Social Security password?

Some older accounts still work with the original my Social Security login, but SSA is gradually moving all users to login.gov for security reasons. You may be prompted to switch the next time you sign in, or you can make the change voluntarily now. Either way, the process is free and takes about 10 minutes.

What if I do not have a photo ID or cannot answer credit history questions?

Login.gov offers both methods, so if one does not work for you, try the other. If neither works, you can call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask about alternative verification methods. Some people may be directed to visit a local Social Security office in person to verify their identity.

Will I lose access to my SSA information if I do not update my account?

Not immediately, but SSA is phasing out the old my Social Security login system. You may eventually be required to switch to login.gov. Making the change now prevents you from being locked out later and gives you time to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.

Can I use the same login.gov account for other government websites?

Yes. Login.gov is used by many federal agencies, including the IRS, Medicare, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Once you have set up your login.gov account, you can use the same email and password to sign in to any of these sites.

What should I do if someone else has access to my SSA account?

Call SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213 and tell them your account may have been compromised. They can lock your account and help you regain control. You should also change your login.gov password and review your my Social Security account for any unauthorized changes to your address or payment information.