Can I recover my old MySocialSecurity account or need to create new one after cancelled application?

You don't need to create a new account. There's a specific account recovery process for MySocialSecurity. Go to the login page and click on 'Forgot Username' or 'Forgot Password' - you'll need to verify your identity using your email, phone, or answer security questions. If that doesn't work, you can request a reset code by mail to your address on file. Don't create a new account as that will just cause confusion in their system.

i had the SAME EXACT problem!!! forgot everything after setting it up and waiting. went round and round with the online reset stuff with no luck. ended up having to go to my local SS office with ID to get it sorted. took forever and the lady was super rude about it like i was wasting her time!!! bring a book if you go that route lol

This happened to me too. Instead of messing with the online stuff or waiting at an office, I just called the main Social Security number. I did have to wait on hold for like 30 minutes but the agent was able to help me recover my account. Make sure you have your SS card and maybe a recent tax return handy when you call.

u dont need ur old account just make new 1... thats what i did when i forgot mine... no problems

When I couldn't recover my MySocialSecurity account last year, I went to my local office and they helped me, but I had to bring specific documents: my driver's license, Social Security card, and a utility bill showing my current address. The whole process took about an hour once I was seen. They were able to reset everything right there. Just make sure you have proper ID with you if you go the in-person route.

A few important things to consider here: 1) The MySocialSecurity account recovery system has been updated since you last used it 18 months ago. They now offer additional verification methods including ID.me verification. 2) Regarding your cancelled application: Even though you cancelled it, that information is still in their system and will be visible when you reapply. This can actually be helpful as the agent may reference your previous application. 3) If you've moved or changed phone numbers since creating your original account, you'll need to update this information when you recover the account. 4) When you do reapply, you'll need to provide a reason for the delay between your cancelled application and current one, so have that explanation ready.

Just to clarify a point that might be causing confusion: The MySocialSecurity account (your online access) is separate from your application for benefits. Recovering your account will just give you access to the online portal again. You'll still need to complete a new application for retirement benefits when you're ready. Don't worry about your previous cancelled application - it won't negatively affect your new application in any way.

my neighbor tried to make a new account when she forgot her old one and SSA flagged her account for fraud investigation!!!! took like 3 months to sort out and delayed her getting her checks. dont do that!!!

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above when I had account issues last month. Got through to an actual human at SSA in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day on hold. The agent reset everything for me over the phone after verifying my identity. Just needed my SSN, date of birth, and they asked some questions about my work history to confirm it was really me.

I just wanted to add another recovery option that worked for me recently - if you have access to the email address you used when you originally set up your MySocialSecurity account, check your old emails for the original welcome message from SSA. It usually contains your username, and sometimes you can use that to trigger the password reset process more easily. I found mine buried in my email from 2022 and it made the whole recovery process much smoother. Also, if you're over 62 and planning to apply for benefits soon, you might want to create a my Social Security account statement first to review your earnings record for any errors before you apply - it's easier to correct those beforehand than after you've already submitted your application.

Based on everyone's experiences here, I'd recommend trying these steps in order: 1) Search your email for the original MySocialSecurity welcome message as Abigail suggested - that might have your username, 2) Try the updated account recovery with ID.me verification that Danielle mentioned, 3) If those don't work, consider using Claimyr to get through to SSA by phone rather than waiting hours on hold, 4) Last resort would be an in-person visit with appointment. Whatever you do, definitely don't create a new account - the fraud flag stories are scary! Also remember that once you recover access, you'll still need to submit a fresh application since your old one was cancelled. Good luck!

I work at a local SSA field office and wanted to clarify a few things based on what I'm seeing in this thread. First, you absolutely should NOT create a new account - this will trigger security flags and can delay your benefits processing significantly. For account recovery, the mail-in reset code option is actually very reliable if you still live at the same address that's on file with us. It takes about 7-10 business days but has a high success rate. Also, regarding appointments - definitely make one online if you decide to visit in person. Walk-ins are seeing 3-4 hour waits right now, but appointments are usually seen within 30-45 minutes of their scheduled time. One last tip: when you do recover your account and reapply, having your tax returns from the last few years handy will speed up the process considerably.

Just wanted to add my experience from last year - I was in almost the exact same situation after canceling my application on my lawyer's advice. The ID.me verification option that Danielle mentioned was a game changer for me. It's newer than the old security questions system and much more reliable. You basically verify your identity using a government-issued ID and take a selfie through their secure platform. The whole process took maybe 15 minutes and I was back into my account immediately. Much faster than waiting for mail or dealing with phone holds. The ID.me option should be available when you go through the "Forgot Username/Password" process on the MySocialSecurity login page. Definitely worth trying before the other options!

As someone who went through a very similar situation, I wanted to share what worked for me. I had created a MySocialSecurity account about 2 years ago, forgot all my login details, and was dreading the whole recovery process. Here's what I learned: Start with the ID.me verification option that several people mentioned - it really is much better than the old security question system. If you can't find your original welcome email, don't panic. The ID.me route lets you verify using your current government ID and a selfie, so even if your phone number or some details changed, you can still get back in. I was back in my account within 20 minutes. Just make sure you're in good lighting for the selfie part - it rejected my first attempt because the lighting was too dim. One thing I wish I had known earlier: even though your application was cancelled, all that work you did 18 months ago isn't completely lost. When you reapply, some of your information may still be in their system, which can actually speed up the process. Good luck with your recovery!

I just want to echo what several others have mentioned about NOT creating a new account - I made that mistake a few years ago and it created a huge headache with their fraud detection system. It took months to resolve and delayed my benefits significantly. Based on all the great advice in this thread, I'd definitely recommend trying the ID.me verification first since so many people have had success with it. If that doesn't work, the mail-in reset code option that Dmitry from the SSA office mentioned sounds like a solid backup plan, especially since you're still at the same address. One thing I didn't see mentioned - if you end up needing to call or visit in person, it might be worth having a trusted family member or friend with you who can help verify details about your work history or personal information if needed. Sometimes having someone else there to jog your memory can be really helpful. Hope you get it sorted out soon!

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Here's what I learned from the experience: The ID.me verification route that several people mentioned really is the way to go - it worked like a charm for me. I was locked out of my account for similar reasons (forgot security questions, changed phone number), and the ID.me process took maybe 15 minutes total. One tip that helped me: before starting the recovery process, gather all your documents in one place - driver's license, Social Security card, and maybe a recent pay stub or tax return. Even though ID.me primarily uses your photo ID and selfie, having everything handy made me feel more prepared and confident going through the process. Also, don't stress about your cancelled application from 18 months ago. As others mentioned, it won't hurt your new application at all. In fact, when I reapplied after recovering my account, the SSA representative mentioned that having a previous application (even a cancelled one) in their system actually helped verify my identity during the process. The whole experience taught me to write down my security question answers somewhere safe - lesson learned! Good luck with your recovery!

Just wanted to add one more recovery option that saved me when I was in a similar situation last year - if you happen to remember the approximate date when you originally created your MySocialSecurity account, you can mention that when going through the ID.me verification or when speaking with an SSA representative. They can sometimes use that information along with your other details to help verify your identity more easily. Also, if you have any old Social Security statements (the paper ones they used to mail annually), those can be helpful to have on hand as they contain information that might be useful during the verification process. The ID.me route really does seem to be the most reliable based on everyone's experiences here - I was skeptical at first but it worked perfectly for me. One last thing: once you do get back into your account, consider setting up text alerts for important account activities. It's a newer feature that can help you stay on top of any changes to your account in the future. Hope this helps and that you get back into your account quickly!