The SSI Office website has been updated, and the sign-in process works the same way it did before

The Social Security Administration (SSA) periodically updates its website and online tools, including the pages where you manage your Social Security account. If you have already created a my Social Security account, your username and password remain valid after any update. You sign in the same way: go to ssa.gov, find the "Sign In" button, and enter your credentials.

If you are having trouble signing in after a website update, the problem is usually one of a few common issues — not that your account no longer works. This guide walks you through what to check and how to regain access.

Key Takeaways

  • Your my Social Security username and password do not change when the SSA updates its website.
  • If you cannot sign in, try resetting your password first, as this solves most login problems.
  • The SSA offers phone support at 1-800-772-1213 if you remain locked out after a password reset.
  • Two-factor authentication (a code sent to your phone or email) is now required to sign in, so make sure your contact information is current in your account.

What happens to your account during a website update

When the SSA updates its website, your my Social Security account itself does not disappear or reset. The account information — your username, password, and the personal details you have entered — stays in place. What changes is the look and layout of the website you see when you visit it, and sometimes the way certain features work.

You may notice the sign-in page looks different, or buttons are in new locations. This is normal. The underlying system that checks your username and password is still the same.

How to sign in after the website update

Go to ssa.gov and look for a button or link that says "Sign In" or "My Account." Click it. You will be taken to a page that asks for your username and password. Enter both exactly as you created them — usernames and passwords are case-sensitive, so "MyUsername" is different from "myusername."

After you enter your username and password, the SSA will send a code to your phone or email (whichever you set up when you created your account). This is two-factor authentication, and it is a security step. Enter that code on the next screen. Once you do, you will be signed in.

What to do if you cannot sign in

If you see an error message saying your username or password is wrong, try resetting your password. On the sign-in page, look for a link that says "Forgot Password?" or "Reset Password." Click it and follow the steps. You will be asked to verify your identity — usually by answering security questions you set up when you created your account, or by confirming information the SSA already has on file.

After you reset your password, try signing in again with your username and the new password you just created.

If you still cannot sign in after resetting your password, or if you do not remember the security questions you answered, contact the SSA directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. A representative can help you regain access to your account.

Make sure your phone number or email is current

Two-factor authentication requires the SSA to send you a code. If your phone number or email address in your account is outdated, you will not receive that code and cannot sign in. Before you try to sign in, make sure the contact information in your my Social Security account is correct.

If you cannot sign in to check or update this information, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask a representative to verify the phone number or email address on file. They can update it for you over the phone.

What changed in recent SSA website updates

The SSA has made several updates to its website and sign-in process in recent years. One major change was the addition of two-factor authentication, which requires a code sent to your phone or email every time you sign in. This is a security measure to protect your account from unauthorized access.

Another change was the option to sign in using Login.gov, a federal sign-in service. If you have a Login.gov account, you can use it to sign in to my Social Security instead of your my Social Security username and password. This is optional — you can still use your original credentials if you prefer.

Using Login.gov as an alternative sign-in method

Login.gov is a find sign-in service run by the federal government. If you create a Login.gov account and link it to your Social Security information, you can sign in to my Social Security using your Login.gov credentials instead of your my Social Security username and password.

To set this up, go to ssa.gov and look for an option to sign in with Login.gov. You will be taken to the Login.gov website, where you can create an account if you do not have one. After you create it and verify your identity, you will be able to sign in to my Social Security using Login.gov from that point forward.

This is entirely optional. If you prefer to keep using your my Social Security username and password, you can do that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to create a new account after the website update?

No. Your existing my Social Security account remains active after any website update. You sign in with the same username and password you created before. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one at any time by visiting ssa.gov and selecting the option to create a new account.

Why am I being asked for a code when I sign in?

The SSA now requires two-factor authentication for all my Social Security sign-ins. After you enter your username and password, the system sends a code to your phone or email. You must enter that code to complete the sign-in. This protects your account from unauthorized access.

What if I do not have a phone or email to receive the code?

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can help you set up or update the phone number or email address on file so you can receive the two-factor authentication code. If you have neither a phone nor an email, ask about alternative ways to verify your identity.

Can I sign in on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The my Social Security website works on phones, tablets, and computers. The sign-in process is the same regardless of the device you use. You will still need to enter your username, password, and the two-factor authentication code sent to your phone or email.

What should I do if I think someone else signed into my account?

Call the SSA when ready at 1-800-772-1213. Tell them you believe your account has been accessed without your permission. A representative can lock your account, help you change your password, and review your account activity to check for unauthorized changes. The sooner you report this, the better.