How to Recover Access to Your ‘My Social Security’ Account Through Login.gov or ID.me?

If you created your ‘My Social Security’ account before September 18, 2021, you need to transition to Login.gov or use an existing Id.me account to access your Social Security services. This change is part of an effort to make the login process easier, enhance security, and comply with federal authentication standards. However, some users may experience issues logging in even after they create a new account, especially if they try to log in from the wrong page or have incomplete identity verification.

Common Issues with Accessing Accounts

One of the most common problems users face is trying to log in from the wrong Login.gov page. It’s important to always start the login process directly from the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. If your account wasn’t linked correctly when transitioning, you may need to go through the identity verification process again.

Where to Find Help

If you’re having trouble with your login, there are resources to help you:

• The Login.gov Help Centre can assist with Login.gov account issues.
• The Id. me Help Centre can help with any issues related to your Id. me account.

You can also contact the Social Security Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213. The Help Desk is available Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. It’s best to call in the morning, later in the week, or at the end of the month to experience shorter wait times. Alternatively, you can request an in-person appointment at your local Social Security office.

Challenges with Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (MFA) can be another obstacle, especially for users without phone access. Backup codes are available but may not be as secure as receiving a code via text. If you’re having trouble obtaining a code, check if Social Security texts are being blocked or if you’ve opted out of receiving them. You can also contact the Help Desk for assistance.

Activation Code Issues

When creating a new Login.gov account, you’ll need an activation code that will be sent to you by mail, text, or call. If you received an unsolicited code, log in with your registered email address. If you didn’t receive the code, you can request a new one or contact the Help Desk. Keep in mind that activation codes are only valid for 30 days.

Problems with Contact Information

If you need to change the phone number associated with your Login.gov account, visit the Login.gov Help Centre. If you created your account before September 18, 2021, you’ll need to update your contact information within your ‘my Social Security’ account. For accounts created after this date, reach out to Login.gov or Id.me for assistance.

If you have an invalid email address linked to your account, log in with your username and password, select the option to reset your password, and follow the instructions to receive a reset code by mail. Each user must have a unique email for their Login.gov account.

Browser Errors and Fixes

Sometimes, users experience browser errors like “Bad Request,” which can prevent access to their accounts. To fix this, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, using incognito mode, or restarting the browser. If you’re still able to access your account using your Social Security username before the full transition, you can attempt to recover or reset your password or username directly from the login page by selecting “Forgot your password?” or “Forgot your username?”

By addressing these common issues and utilising the resources available, users can successfully regain access to their ‘my Social Security’ accounts and ensure a smooth transition to the updated login process.

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