Locked out of “my Social Security” after the Login.gov / ID.me switch (2025–2026): how to regain access without a smartphone
The problem (and who it hits hardest)
If you try to sign in to my Social Security and suddenly can’t, you’re not alone. Since June 7, 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) removed the old “Social Security username” login and now requires signing in through Login.gov or ID.me. [1]This tends to hit:
- Retirees and disability beneficiaries who created accounts years ago and are now forced into a new sign-in flow
- People who changed phone numbers, lost a phone, or don’t receive MFA codes
- People who don’t want to share a mobile number or only have a landline
- Caregivers who used to “share” a login (SSA generally expects each person to have their own identity-provider account)
The result: you can’t check your benefits, download letters, change direct deposit, or manage other online tasks.
Why this is happening
SSA’s change is part of moving sign-in to credential service providers that meet federal authentication standards—Login.gov and ID.me. SSA states that Login.gov and ID.me are now the only sign-in options to access SSA online services, and the old username/password option has been removed. [1]This strengthens account security, but it also creates a new single point of failure: your multi-factor authentication method (text message, phone call, authenticator app, security key, etc.). If you can’t complete MFA, you can’t get in.
Solutions (step-by-step)
Start with the solution that matches what you still have access to.Solution 1: You can still sign in, but codes go to the wrong phone number (Login.gov)
If you can authenticate using any existing method on the account (for example, authenticator app, backup codes, or a different phone method), you can update the phone number.Steps (Login.gov):
1. Sign in at Login.gov.
2. Authenticate using a method you still have.
3. From your account page, add your new phone number and set it as default if needed. [2]
Important note: Login.gov warns against using some web-based/VoIP numbers for phone verification. Follow their guidance during setup. [2]
Solution 2: You lost your phone (but still have the number)
This is common after a device upgrade, theft, or a broken phone.Steps:
1. Try to regain access to the original phone number first (for example, by reactivating the number with your carrier on a new SIM/device).
2. Then sign in and request the one-time code.
3. Once you’re in, add at least one backup authentication method so this doesn’t happen again. Login.gov recommends having multiple methods. [3]
Solution 3: You have a Login.gov account but no longer have ANY MFA method
This is the dead-end that surprises people.Login.gov states that if you cannot sign in with your only authentication method, you’ll have to delete your account and create a new one (Login.gov cannot unlock or sign in on your behalf). [4]
Steps (Login.gov account deletion when you can’t authenticate):
1. Go to Login.gov (or start from SSA’s sign-in page and choose Login.gov).
2. Sign in with email + password.
3. On the authentication page, choose “Choose another security option.”
4. Use the “deleting your account” link and follow the two-step process (includes a 24-hour wait and emails). [5]
5. After deletion completes, create a new Login.gov account and then return to SSA to sign in again.
Why this works: SSA stores your benefit data with SSA; deleting Login.gov doesn’t erase SSA records—you’re replacing the sign-in credential.
Solution 4: You’re using ID.me and can’t complete MFA (lost phone / no codes)
ID.me has an “MFA recovery process” flow that can re-establish access by confirming your identity and setting a new MFA method. [6]Steps (ID.me):
1. Go to the ID.me sign-in page.
2. Attempt to sign in.
3. When prompted for MFA, choose the MFA recovery process option.
4. Follow prompts to confirm account ownership (may include a selfie, video call, email confirmation, or ID document upload).
5. Set up a new MFA method once recovery is approved. [6]
Solution 5: You don’t want to use a mobile phone (or only have a landline)
SSA explicitly notes that a phone number is not required to create a Login.gov or ID.me account, and you can use alternative MFA methods (examples include security key, landline, or backup codes). [7]Steps:
1. Sign in to your identity-provider account (Login.gov or ID.me).
2. Add a non-mobile method (e.g., security key or backup codes; for Login.gov, explore the available authentication method types). [8]
3. Keep your backup method stored safely (printed backup codes in a locked location, for example).
Solution 6: You’re confused by “activation codes” or old setup links
If you’re trying an old SSA setup path and see messaging that an SSA activation code is “no longer supported,” SSA directs you to sign in or verify identity with Login.gov or ID.me instead. [9]Quick checklist (do this in order)
- [ ] Confirm you’re using the correct sign-in option for SSA: Login.gov or ID.me (SSA username login is gone). [1]
- [ ] Try “Choose another security option” to use any backup MFA you previously set up. [3]
- [ ] If you can get in: add a second MFA method immediately (don’t rely on one phone). [8]
- [ ] If you’re on Login.gov and have zero MFA access: follow the official delete-and-recreate process. [4] [5]
- [ ] If you’re on ID.me: start the MFA recovery process from the ID.me sign-in flow. [6]
- [ ] Prefer non-mobile backups if you can (security key, backup codes, landline options) so a lost phone won’t lock you out. [7]
FAQ
1) Will I lose my Social Security benefits if I can’t migrate right now?
This affects online account access. SSA’s transition is about how you sign in to online services; your underlying benefit eligibility and payment status are handled by SSA separately. Use SSA’s official contact channels if you can’t regain online access.2) Why won’t Login.gov “just reset” my MFA for me?
Login.gov states it cannot grant access if you’re locked out and/or lose your authentication method, and that you may need to delete and recreate the account in that scenario. [4]3) Can I share one Login.gov/ID.me with my spouse to manage both accounts?
In practice, sharing sign-in credentials creates access and security problems. Each person should maintain their own identity-provider account tied to their identity.4) I’m not receiving text codes. What should I try first?
Try a different existing method (authenticator app, backup codes, security key), confirm your phone number is correct, and check carrier blocking/spam settings. If you can authenticate once, add at least one additional MFA method so you’re not dependent on SMS. [3] [8]5) Is a smartphone required?
SSA states a phone is not required to create a Login.gov or ID.me account, and alternative methods may be available (including landline and backup codes depending on setup). [7]Key Takeaways
- SSA removed its old username/password login; Login.gov or ID.me is required (effective June 7, 2025). [1]
- Most lockouts come from MFA issues: old phone numbers, lost devices, or missing backup methods.
- Login.gov lockouts without MFA access often require deleting and recreating the account. [4] [5]
- ID.me offers an MFA recovery process that can restore access after identity confirmation. [6]
- Set up two authentication methods now to prevent the next lockout. [8]
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Compact facts: SSA my Social Security sign-in changed; as of 2025-06-07 SSA removed Social Security username/password login and requires Login.gov or ID.me. Lockouts commonly occur due to MFA (text codes to old number, lost phone, no backup method). Login.gov states it cannot unlock accounts without authentication method; users may need to delete and recreate account (24-hour deletion flow). ID.me provides MFA recovery process to regain access by confirming identity and setting new MFA. SSA FAQ: phone number not required; alternate MFA methods possible (landline, security key, backup codes).Keywords: my Social Security locked out, SSA Login.gov ID.me transition, June 7 2025 SSA login change, Login.gov cannot authenticate lost phone, Login.gov delete account 24 hour wait, ID.me MFA recovery, Social Security online account access, SSA benefit verification letter login, government MFA alternatives landline security key.