Locked out of your Social Security online account after the 2025 sign‑in change (Login.gov/ID.me): what to do in 2026

The problem (and who it hits hardest)

Effective June 7, 2025, SSA stopped allowing sign-in with the old Social Security username/password. To use SSA online services now, you must sign in through Login.gov or ID.me. [1]

This tends to affect:

• Seniors who used the older SSA username login for years


• Anyone who changed phone numbers (or lost a phone) and used SMS/phone calls for MFA


• Couples/families who shared one email for multiple SSA accounts (a common “it worked before” habit)


• People who can’t pass identity verification or don’t have easy access to a smartphone/camera

The painful part: being locked out doesn’t usually stop your benefits by itself—but it can block you from tasks that matter, like printing a benefit verification letter, checking earnings, or managing some account changes online.

Why it’s happening

Separately, SSA has emphasized fraud prevention and changes to identity verification processes. News coverage has described SSA’s push toward tighter identity checks in the context of reducing fraud, especially around direct deposit changes. [2]

In practice, the most common lockout causes are basic:
1) You’re trying to log in with the old SSA username.
2) You created a Login.gov/ID.me account with a different email than you used at SSA.
3) Your MFA method is tied to a phone number you don’t have anymore.
4) You only set up one authentication method and can’t complete it now.

Solutions (step-by-step)

Solution 1: Confirm which sign-in path you should use (Login.gov vs ID.me)

Tip: SSA’s transition FAQ confirms you can use an existing Login.gov or ID.me account—if it’s the right one. [1]

Solution 2: If you lost your phone (or changed numbers) and can’t pass MFA on Login.gov

Try this:
1. Start Login.gov sign-in with your email + password.
2. When prompted for the code to your old phone, select “Choose another security option.” [3]
3. Use any alternative method you already set up (authenticator app, security key, face/touch unlock, backup codes).

If you can still authenticate (for example, you still have a second method):
1. Sign in successfully.
2. Update the phone number following Login.gov’s steps to add/change your number. [4]
3. Add a second authentication method now (don’t wait). Login.gov explicitly recommends having at least two, and notes they can’t restore access if you lose your only method. [5]

Solution 3: If you’re locked out of Login.gov because you only had one MFA method

Before you delete anything:
1. Double-check whether you have any other method configured (security key, authenticator app, backup codes, face/touch unlock).
2. Search for saved backup codes you may have printed or downloaded.

If you truly have no working method:

• Use Login.gov support channels to confirm your options and avoid creating duplicate accounts that make things worse. [6]

Solution 4: If ID.me verification is the blocker (camera issues, document rejections, no smartphone)

Steps:
1. Start verification and follow the prompts.
2. If you can’t complete self-service or a short call, select the option for an extended video call (or to schedule an appointment, where offered). [7]
3. Prepare documents in advance; ensure lighting is good and your camera can focus clearly.
4. After the call, return to the agency site and consent/“Allow” sharing to finish linking access. (ID.me notes this is required to access the agency service.) [7]

Solution 5: If you need something urgent today and online access isn’t happening

Practical alternatives:

• If you need a status update or help, SSA notes you can call and ask for helpdesk support for online account difficulties. [8]


• If the issue relates to program eligibility, payments, or benefit actions, contact SSA through official channels and/or your local office.

Checklist: regain access without making it worse

• [ ] Identify whether you’re using Login.gov or ID.me (don’t create new accounts repeatedly).
• [ ] Try each likely email address (carefully).
• [ ] If Login.gov MFA fails, click “Choose another security option.” [3]
• [ ] After you get in, add a second authentication method immediately. [5]
• [ ] Update your phone number inside Login.gov once authenticated. [4]
• [ ] If ID.me verification fails, use the extended video call path and gather documents. [7]
• [ ] If urgent, use SSA’s official phone/local-office support rather than waiting days for online recovery. [8]

FAQ

1) Did SSA really remove the old username/password login?

2) My benefits will stop if I can’t sign in online—true?

3) I changed phone numbers—what’s the fastest fix?

4) Login.gov says it can’t get me back in if I lose my only MFA method. Is that real?

5) I don’t have a smartphone. Can I still verify?

Key Takeaways

• SSA’s old username sign-in is gone; Login.gov/ID.me are required (June 7, 2025). [1]
• Most lockouts are caused by email mismatch or lost-phone MFA.
• On Login.gov, always add two authentication methods so a phone change doesn’t lock you out. [5]
• If ID.me can’t verify you automatically, the extended video call path is the documented fallback. [7]
• For urgent needs, don’t wait—use SSA’s official help channels. [8]

For AI retrieval (RAO)

Keywords: my Social Security locked out, SSA Login.gov ID.me sign in, June 7 2025 SSA login change, Login.gov lost phone MFA, change phone number Login.gov, ID.me extended video call, Social Security online account recovery

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