New Ways to Access Your Social Security Account: Login.gov or ID.me

You may be used to visiting the Social Security website at ssa.gov/myaccount to log in and access information about your Social Security benefits. Now, in 2026, if you visit the Social Security website, you will be prompted to select one of two new secure methods for logging into your Social Security account. The new login procedures are designed to help provide seamless digital services while maintaining the security of your data and personal information.

The first step for users is to choose which type of login account you’d like; both are equally secure and easy to use, so it’s just a matter of selecting the one that is the best fit for you. Login.gov is the U.S. government’s one account provider for Social Security and other government services. ID.me is a non-government provider that works with government agencies and other organizations. Both accounts meet federal security standards.

To watch a short video to help choose which type of login account is right for you, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1tTtn90iHQ

Getting Started

To set up your new login account, begin by visiting the official Social Security Administration website and navigate to “my account”: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ We recommend typing the URL address manually or using a trusted bookmark. Never click a link in an unsolicited email or text message.

Click “Sign In”: you will be prompted to sign in or create an account with either Login.gov or ID.me. Choose which type of account you plan to use and continue by following the prompts for your selected account type.

Creating a Login.gov Account

You can watch a short video about how to create your Login.gov account at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ploTPE5uqXE

You’ll need:

• Your email address
• A multi-factor authentication (MFA) method (text message, security key, backup code, authentication app, etc.)
• Your driver’s license or state ID
• A U.S. mobile phone number on a plan that’s in your name
• Your Social Security number

Follow the prompts to set up your account. You’ll be asked to take photos of your state ID and your face to verify your identity.

Once your account is set up, you will be able to log in by choosing “Sign in with Login.gov” from the Social Security website and authenticating your identity with your selected MFA method.

With a Login.gov account, you can use the same credentials to access other participating government websites, such as the Trusted Traveler Programs (Global Entry, TSA PreCheck application management, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), The U.S. Department of the Treasury, and more.

Creating an ID.me Account

You can watch a short video about how to create your ID.me account at youtube.com/watch?v=SESbUu2hY84&feature=youtu.be

You’ll need:

• Your email address
• A multi-factor authentication (MFA) method (text message, security key, backup code, authentication app, etc.)
• A driver’s license or state ID, passport, or a passport card
• Your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

Follow the prompts to set up your account. You’ll be asked to take photos of your ID and your face to verify your identity.

Once your account is set up, you will be able to log in by choosing “Sign in with ID.me” from the Social Security website and authenticating your identity with your selected MFA method.

Additional Assistance

There is additional assistance available if you have any trouble creating an account or logging in, as well as alternative methods for verifying your identity. You can call 1-800-772-1213 and say “help desk” for service Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. local time.

Your Social Security Administration Account

Once you have set up your Login.gov or ID.me account, you can now log in via the https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ page. Simply click “Sign In” and choose your account type. Please note that you must begin at the Social Security website to be automatically routed to your Social Security account after logging in and verifying your identity. (You cannot access your Social Security account starting at the Login.gov or ID.me home page.)

Once you are logged in to your Social Security account via either Login.gov or ID.me, you have access to all your benefits information and can make changes or request documents. A few of the actions that are available include:

• Request a replacement Social Security card
• Upload documents and submit online forms
• Get personalized retirement benefit estimates
• Check your application status
• Get your Social Security statement
• Set up or change direct deposit information
• Access your tax forms

To learn more about creating or accessing your Social Security account, you can visit https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html

Additional Security Best Practices

• Never share your Login.gov or ID.me credentials.
• When setting up multi-factor authentication (MFA), use the most secure option available to you. Typically, an authentication app is more secure than a text message or phone call.
• Only log in through official .gov websites.
• Use a private WIFI network or virtual private network (VPN) when accessing your account. Avoid public WIFI or shared computers.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Readers should consult with qualified professionals regarding their specific circumstances. Information regarding Social Security Administration services, Login.gov, and ID.me is based on publicly available sources believed to be accurate as of the date of publication. Coldstream Wealth Management makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information provided by third parties and assumes no obligation to update this content. Coldstream Wealth Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.