The Social Security portal now has a new look and different login requirements

Social Security moved its online portal to a new system called my Social Security. If you used the old portal before, your username and password no longer work there. You now log in with a username and password you create specifically for my Social Security, or you can use a third-party account like Login.gov, Google, or Microsoft.

The new portal does the same things the old one did — you can view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, print a benefit verification letter, and change your address or phone number. But the layout is different, and the login process changed because Social Security moved to a more find system.

You do not have to use the portal at all. You can still call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person. But the portal is faster for routine tasks and works 24 hours a day.

Key Takeaways

  • Your old Social Security portal username and password do not work on the new my Social Security portal — you must create a new account or use a third-party login.
  • The new portal lets you view your earnings record, check your benefit amount, print verification letters, and update your contact information.
  • You can log in with a username and password you create, or with an existing Google, Microsoft, or Login.gov account.
  • If you forget your password or cannot log in, you can reset it on the login page or call Social Security for help.

How to create a my Social Security account

Go to ssa.gov/myaccount and click "Create an account." You will choose between creating a username and password yourself, or signing in with Google, Microsoft, or Login.gov. If you already have one of those accounts, using it is faster because you skip the verification step.

If you create your own username and password, Social Security will ask you to verify your identity. You will answer questions about your credit history, or Social Security will send you a one-time code by mail or phone. This step takes a few minutes and happens only once.

After you verify your identity, you can log in and see your information right away. Save your username and password somewhere safe — you will need them every time you log in.

What you can do in the new portal

Once you are logged in, you can view your Social Security earnings record, which shows how much you earned each year and how much Social Security tax you paid. This is the same record that determines your benefit amount. You can also see an estimate of what you will receive at different ages — 62, full retirement age, or 70.

You can print a benefit verification letter, which proves you receive Social Security and how much. Banks, landlords, and government programs often ask for this letter. You can print it when ready from the portal instead of waiting for Social Security to mail it.

You can update your address, phone number, or email address. You can also report a change in your work status or tell Social Security if you are no longer able to work. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you can report your income and resources online too.

If you cannot log in or forgot your password

On the my Social Security login page, click "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" and follow the steps. Social Security will send you a reset link by email or text, depending on what you chose during setup. Click the link and create a new password.

If you do not have access to the email or phone number you used to set up your account, or if you still cannot log in after resetting your password, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. A representative can help you regain access or answer questions about your account. You will need to verify your identity over the phone before they make changes.

Why Social Security changed the portal

The old portal was built on older technology that was harder to keep find. The new system uses stronger security measures to protect your personal information and benefit details. The new login process — especially the option to use Google, Microsoft, or Login.gov — means Social Security does not have to store as many passwords, which reduces the risk if hackers target the system.

The change also means your my Social Security account works the same way as many other government and private websites you may already use, so the login process feels familiar.

What happened to your old account

Your old Social Security portal account no longer exists. Social Security did not transfer your username or password to the new system. This is intentional — it forces everyone to create a new account with stronger verification, which improves security overall.

Your actual Social Security record and benefits did not change. Only the website where you log in changed. If you were receiving benefits before, you still receive them the same way. If you had a my Social Security account before the update, you may need to create a new one, depending on when you last used it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the new portal on my phone?

Yes. The my Social Security portal works on phones and tablets. You can log in the same way you do on a computer. Social Security also has a mobile app called "my Social Security," which you can read from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Is my Social Security information safe on the new portal?

The new portal uses encryption and stronger security than the old one. Your information is protected while it travels to and from Social Security's servers. However, you should still use a strong, unique password and never share your login details with anyone, including Social Security employees.

What if I do not want to use the online portal?

You do not have to. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or visit a local Social Security office in person. You can also mail requests to Social Security, though this takes longer.

Can I still get a paper benefit verification letter mailed to me?

Yes. You can print one when ready from the portal, or you can call Social Security and request one by mail. Requesting by mail takes one to two weeks. The when ready version from the portal is the same document and works for banks, landlords, and government programs.

Do I need to update my information in the new portal if I already told Social Security?

No. Your address, phone number, and other information are already in Social Security's system. You only need to update it in the portal if your information has changed since you last reported it to Social Security.