We know readers have various questions regarding Socialsecurity.gov online account. We decided to set up this Socialsecurity.gov FAQs page to address the most common questions we get regarding how to register for an online account with Social Security, how to gain access to your account if you are locked out, and the many tasks you can perform with a Socialsecurity.gov account.
For a step-by-step guide on how to create a Social Security online account, click here.
If you already have an account and need help logging in, including how to retrieve your username and password, click here.
If you have other questions about Socialsecurity.gov online account, continue reading below.
This post on Socialsecurity.gov FAQs will cover:
- Benefits of a Socialsecurity.gov Account
- I am Locked out of my Account – How do I unlock my Social Security account?
- How do I Retrieve my Account Username?
- How do I Reset my Social Security Password?
- I Forgot my Password Reset Answers. What Can I do?
Benefits of a Socialsecurity.gov Account
There are many benefits to having an online Socialsecurity.gov account, whether you receive benefits or not.
You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive.
Here’s the list of tasks you can perform with a Socialsecurity.gov account, grouped by category:
Apply for benefits
With a Socialsecurity.gov online account, you can apply for:
- Social Security retirement/spouse’s benefits;
- Medicare and Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs;
- Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Estimate your future benefits
Additionally, with a Socialsecurity.gov online account, you can:
- Get your Social Security Statement;
- Check your earnings record;
- See estimates of your potential benefit amounts
If you currently get Social Security Benefits
You can use a Socialsecurity.gov online account to perform the following tasks:
- Get proof of your benefits;
- Check your benefit and payment information and your earnings record;
- Change your address and phone number;
- Start or change direct deposit;
- Get a replacement SSA-1099/1042S for tax season;
- Report your wages if you work and receive disability benefits; and
- Request a replacement Medicare card.
Other things you can do online with a Socialsecurity.gov Account
- Check the status of your Social Security application.
- Request a replacement Social Security card online (if you live a participating state)
- Request a name change or any other change to your card
- Appeal a Disability Application Denial (Request an appeal online or continue working on an appeal you already started.)
The video below from the SSA provides a great summary of the services available to you online through SocialSecurity.gov.
Socialsecurity.gov FAQs (Questions and Answers)
Here are the common Socialsecurity.gov FAQs we get about the online account:
How do I unlock my Social Security account?
When you are locked out of your Social Security online account, it probably means you – or perhaps someone else – entered inconsistent or incorrect login information.
As a result, the Social Security Administration has locked your account to protect your information.
If you are locked out of your Social Security account, you can call the Social Security Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213 from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET.
Where do I enter the reset code for Social Security
When you first signed up for a mySocialSecurity account, you identified either your email address or cell phone number as your second factor for authentication.
Each time you sign in to your mySocialSecurity account, the SSA will send you a one-time security code to either the email address or cell phone number you provided when you registered for your account.
You will have to enter that code as part of the login process to gain access to your account.
Here’s how:
First, enter your username and password to log in, as shown below:
Next, if you entered the correct username and password, you will be taken to the security page below.
Depending on whether you chose to receive your security code via email or phone, the SSA will send the code to your preferred method.
Check your text message or email to retrieve the code.
Next, enter the code in the space provided for “Security Code” as shown by the arrow below.
Once you have entered the security code, click the “Submit Security Code” link to continue with the account login process.
How do I Retrieve my Account Username?
To retrieve your Social Security username:
Click on the “Forgot Username” link as shown below.
Next, Enter your email address, Social Security number, and date of birth as shown below.
Next, click on the “Next” link.
You will be able to view your username in the “username” field of the sign-in screen.
How do I Reset my Social Security Password?
To reset your Social Security password:
Go to the “Forgot Password” link as shown below.
Next, enter your username, Social Security number, and date of birth as shown below.
These are questions you selected when you set up your account.
If you successfully answered the questions, you will be able to create a new password.
To do so, you will be required to create and confirm a new password once we have successfully established your identity.
If you don’t remember answers to the password reset questions, see below for options to gain access to your Socialsecurity.gov account.
I Forgot my Password Reset Answers. What Can I do?
If you don’t remember the answers to your Password Reset Questions, here’s how to gain access to your account.
First, select the “I can’t remember my answers” and follow the prompts.
How you proceed next depends on whether your Second Factor is through your Email or Phone Number.
If you registered your email address as a second factor, follow these steps:
- Scroll down and check the “I agree to the Terms of Service” box.
- Select “Next.”
- You’ll come to the “Provide Information” page where you’ll enter your mailing address and primary phone number.
Please note that the SSA only needs your phone number to verify your identity. - Select “Mail Temporary Password.”
- Then, Select “Done” on the next page.
After completing these steps, you’ll receive a letter by mail in 5 to 10 business days.
Your letter will contain a temporary password and step-by-step instructions for creating a new password and login to your account.
Once you receive the letter in the mail
When you receive the letter with your temporary password, go to the Sign In page and enter your username and your temporary password.
Then, follow the steps below to complete the process:
- Select “Sign In.”
- Verify your email address on the following page.
- Select “Next.”
- You’ll receive a security code via email—and you’ll enter the security code on the following page.
- Select “Submit Security Code.”
- You’ll then create your new password on the next page. Select “Next.”
- Then, select “Next” again.
- Scroll down and check the “I agree to the Terms of Service” box.
- Select “Next.” This will take you to your my Social Security account.
If you registered your cell phone as your second factor, follow these steps:
- Select “Email Temporary Password.”
- Check your email for your temporary password.
- Return to the Sign In page.
- Enter your username and the temporary password.
- Verify your cell phone number and check “Next.”
- Enter the security code you receive on your cell phone.
- Then, select “Submit Security Code.”
- You’ll then create your new password on the next page. Select “Next.”
- Then, select “Next” again.
- Scroll down and check the “I agree to the Terms of Service” box.
- Select “Next.” This will take you to your my Social Security account.
Socialsecurity.gov FAQs Summary
We hope this post on Socialsecurity.gov FAQs is helpful.
Still Have Questions?
For help calculating how much you will get in Social Security benefits, click here: Social Security Retirement Benefits Calculator.
To change your name on your Social Security card due to Marriage or Divorce, click here: Social Security Name Change Process.
For help on how to change your address with Social Security, click here: How to Change Your Address with Social Security.
If you need help replacing a lost Social Security Card, click here: Social Security Card Replacement Help.
If you have further questions about Social Security or Disability benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles on:
IRS Stimulus Check Portal
Third Stimulus Check FAQs
What is the Third Stimulus Check Release Date?
Are Stimulus Payments Taxable Income?
2022 Social Security Payment Dates
