The term “legacy account” refers to a personal my Social Security account created before September 18, 2021, with a username and password. Beginning September 18, 2021, all new my Social Security customers were required to create an account with 1 of our 2 credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me.
If you create a new Login.gov credential, you will need an activation code to finish transitioning your personal my Social Security account. You only have to do this part once. You are given the option to receive your activation code by mail, text message, or automated phone call. In some cases, we must mail you an activation code because we are unable to verify your phone number. You should receive your activation code in the mail within 10 days. The activation code is valid for 30 days. If you do not activate your account within 30 days, you must request a new activation code. If you are having problems receiving or entering your activation code, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.
A security code is a one-time code that we send to a customer's email or cellphone as part of the two-factor authentication process. We require the customer to enter the one-time security code online every time they attempt to sign in to their secure my Social Security account.
It is possible that multi-factor text messages are blocked on your phone, or you have previously opted out of receiving text messages from Social Security. Please verify with your cellphone provider that text messages from Social Security are allowed. If you have previously opted out of our text messages by replying STOP, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.
Soon, you will no longer be able to sign in with your Social Security username. You will need an account with one of our credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me. This will simplify your sign-in experience and better align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to our online services.
When you sign in with your Social Security username, you will be presented with an option to transition to Login.gov. If you choose to transition, you will be asked to create or sign in to your existing Login.gov account to complete the process. Watch our 3-minute video to see how to transition your personal my Social Security account.
If you cannot remember or need to reset your Social Security password for your account, visit the sign-in page and select the “Sign in with Social Security Username”. From there, select “Forgot Password?” and complete the steps.
Once you have successfully linked your Login.gov account to your Social Security username, you will no longer use your Social Security username to sign in. Instead, you will use Login.gov.
No. If you have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use your existing account to access Social Security services.
You can have an account with both Login.gov and ID.me and access your personal my Social Security account with either one.
You may continue to use your Social Security username if you decide not to transition now, but the username option will be removed in the future and you will be required to have an ID.me or Login.gov account to access Social Security services. We encourage you to make the transition now.
No. You are all set. Accounts created on and after this date use Login.gov or ID.me.
Customers living outside the United States can transition to a Login.gov account. We encourage you to review restrictions concerning international phone numbers on Login.gov's website before transitioning or creating an account. Customers can also choose to create an account with ID.me following the instructions on our Service Around the World webpage. Many online services can now be accessed overseas with an ID.me account.
Each person must set up their own Login.gov account with their own personal email address - not an email that you share with someone else.
We sent emails to my Social Security account users telling them about the change. The email contains a link and details for making the transition .
If you are worried about scams, most emails from Social Security come from a “.gov" email address. If an email address does not end in “.gov”, you should use caution before opening attachments or clicking on pictures or links in the email. Links to www.ssa.gov - our official website - will always begin with https://www.ssa.gov/ or https://secure.ssa.gov/.
If you are not certain that an email you received came from us, DO NOT respond to the email or click any links in the email message. You can visit www.ssa.gov to access your account. Learn more about how we protect your personal information.