You can reset your Social Security password online in about five minutes

If you have forgotten your password or suspect someone else knows it, you can reset it yourself through the Social Security website without calling or visiting an office. The process asks you to verify your identity using information only you should know, then lets you create a new password right away.

The fastest route is to go to ssa.gov, click "Sign In" at the top right, then select "Forgot your password?" on the login page. You will answer security questions you set up when you created your account, and if your answers match what Social Security has on file, you can set a new password when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You reset your password on ssa.gov by clicking "Sign In," then "Forgot your password?" and answering your security questions.
  • You need to know the email address or phone number linked to your Social Security account to start the reset.
  • Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone; you must enter that code before you can create a new password.
  • Your new password must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a special character.
  • If you cannot answer your security questions or do not remember your email or phone number, you will need to create a new account or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

What you need before you start

Have the email address or phone number you used when you created your Social Security account. If you set up your account years ago and do not remember which one you used, check old emails or look for a confirmation message from Social Security.

You also need access to that email inbox or phone number right now, because Social Security will send you a verification code to that address or number. If you no longer have access to the email or phone number on file, you cannot complete the reset online and will need to create a new account or contact Social Security directly.

Step-by-step: resetting your password online

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the top right corner of the page. Click it, then select "Forgot your password?" below the login boxes.

Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. Social Security will ask you to confirm which one you want to use for verification. Choose the one you can access right now.

Answer the security questions you created when you set up your account. These are questions only you should know the answers to — for example, "What was the name of your first pet?" or "In what city were you born?" If your answers match Social Security's records, you will move to the next step.

Social Security will send a verification code to your email or phone. Check your inbox or text messages and enter that code on the website. This step confirms that you own the email address or phone number on file.

Create your new password. It must be at least 12 characters long and include at least one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (such as !, @, #, $, %, or &). Write down your new password somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it.

What to do if you cannot answer your security questions

If you do not remember the answers to your security questions, you cannot reset your password online. This is a safety feature — Social Security wants to make sure only you can access your account.

In this case, you have two options. You can create a new Social Security account using a different email address or phone number, which takes about 10 minutes on ssa.gov. Or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to speak with someone who can help you regain access to your existing account. You will need to answer identity verification questions over the phone, which may include information about your work history or tax records.

What to do if you do not remember your email or phone number

If you cannot remember the email address or phone number you used to create your account, you cannot complete the password reset online. Social Security has no way to send you a verification code if you do not know which address or number to use.

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and explain that you need to update the contact information on your account. A representative can verify your identity and help you regain access. Have your Social Security number and a government-issued ID ready when you call.

Creating a strong password you will remember

Social Security's 12-character minimum is longer than many websites require, which is good — longer passwords are harder to guess. But a long password is only useful if you can remember it or store it safely.

One approach is to use a phrase you know well and turn it into a password. For example, "My dog Biscuit was born in 2015!" becomes "MyDogBiscuit2015!" — it is long, it mixes uppercase and lowercase letters, it includes a number and a special character, and it is something you can remember. Write it down in a notebook you keep at home, or use a password manager like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone or computer.

Do not use your birth date, your Social Security number, your address, or the names of family members or pets — these are too straightforward to guess. Do not share your password with anyone, even if they say they work for Social Security. Social Security employees will never ask for your password.

Protecting your account after you reset your password

Once you have created a new password, take a moment to check your account settings. Log in to ssa.gov with your new password and look at the "Account" or "Settings" section to review the email address and phone number on file. If either one is wrong or unfamiliar, update it right away — this could mean someone else has access to your account.

If you see activity you do not recognize — such as a benefit payment sent to an address you do not know — contact Social Security when ready at 1-800-772-1213. Do not wait. The sooner you report suspicious activity, the sooner Social Security can investigate and protect your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to reset my password?

The reset itself takes about five minutes if you remember your security questions and have access to your email or phone. You can log in with your new password right away. If you need to call Social Security, wait times vary depending on call volume, but you can usually reach someone within 30 minutes to an hour during business hours.

Can I reset my password if I do not have a Social Security account yet?

No. If you have never created an account on ssa.gov, you cannot reset a password because there is nothing to reset. You would need to create a new account first, which takes about 10 minutes and requires you to verify your identity with information from your Social Security record.

What if I reset my password but still cannot log in?

Wait a few minutes — sometimes the system needs time to update. Then try logging in again with your new password. If you still cannot log in, clear your browser's cache and cookies, try a different browser, or try logging in from a different device. If none of that works, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to make sure your account is active.

Do I need to reset my password if I think someone else knows it?

Yes. Reset it as soon as you suspect a breach. After you create a new password, log in and check your account for any changes you did not make — such as a different mailing address or phone number. If you see unauthorized changes, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 right away.

Can Social Security reset my password for me over the phone?

No. Social Security cannot reset your password directly, but a representative can help you regain access to your account if you cannot reset it yourself. They will verify your identity and may help you update your security questions or contact information so you can reset it online next time.