Login.gov QR code issue blocking access to my SS account - delete account and start over?

Don't delete your account! The QR code is for two-factor authentication. You need to use the Login.gov authentication app on your phone to scan that code. If you don't have the app set up already, that's where the problem is. Unfortunately, if you don't have access to the authentication method you originally set up (like a phone number or email that's no longer yours), it can be tricky.

same thing happnd to me last month!! so frustrating. i had to call login.gov support NOT social security. they have seprate tech support team for the login stuff.

This is a common issue with the Login.gov authentication system that SSA now uses. Here's what you need to do: 1. First, try to recover your account through Login.gov's account recovery process (not SSA's). Go to login.gov directly. 2. If you still have access to the email or phone number you originally used to set up the account, you can request a recovery code. 3. If you don't have access to those anymore, you might need to create a new Login.gov account, but DO NOT delete your MySocialSecurity account first. 4. After creating a new Login.gov account, you can contact SSA to link it to your existing MySocialSecurity account. The key is that Login.gov and MySocialSecurity are separate systems that work together. Deleting should be your absolute last resort.

I had this exact problem! The QR code is so confusing if you don't know what it's for. Basically they want you to use an authentication app on your phone to add an extra layer of security.

After dealing with endless wait times trying to get this same issue resolved, I started using Claimyr to actually get through to someone at SSA. It's the only way I finally got help linking my new Login.gov account to my existing SS account. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU and the website is claimyr.com. Saved me hours of frustration and disconnected calls. The agent I finally reached was able to verify my identity and help me regain access to my account history.

My daughter had to come over and help me with this last month. The QR code thing is for something called "two-factor authentication" that makes your account more secure. You're supposed to open an app on your phone, scan the code, and then it gives you a number to type in. I think they started requiring this for everyone in 2024? Anyway if you still have the email or phone you used before, try the "forgot password" option instead of the QR code.

THIS IS WHY I KEEP ALL MY SS PAPERS IN A FILING CABINET!!! The government keeps making online access IMPOSSIBLE for regular folks. Every time they "upgrade" security it locks out thousands of people. I gave up on the online account and just call or go in person now. Too much headache with all these apps and codes!!!

Update for 2025: SSA has actually added a new recovery option for Login.gov issues. You can now schedule a video verification call where they'll confirm your identity and help restore access to your account. Go to SSA.gov and look for "Schedule a Video Appointment" rather than trying to solve this through the automated system. Make sure to select "Login.gov Access Issues" as your appointment reason.

I'm dealing with this right now too lol. The whole Login.gov thing is a mess. Does anyone know if we need the EXACT same email as before? I have like 3 email addresses and can't remember which one I used originally 🤦‍♀️

UPDATE: I tried everyone's suggestions and finally got back into my account! What worked was going directly to Login.gov (not through the SSA site) and using the account recovery option with my email. They sent me a recovery link, and I was able to set up a new authentication method for my account. Then I could log into my Social Security account with no problems. Thank you all for your help - I'm so relieved I didn't have to create a completely new account!

So glad you were able to get back into your account! This is such a helpful thread - I've been having the same Login.gov issues and was about to give up and delete everything. Going to try the direct Login.gov recovery route first before considering the video appointment option. It's crazy how many people are dealing with this same problem. The government really needs to make these authentication systems more user-friendly, especially for people who aren't tech experts.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a tech worker who helps seniors with digital issues, and I see Login.gov problems constantly. A few additional tips for anyone still struggling: 1) Make sure you're using the same browser you originally used to set up the account - sometimes cookies help with recognition, 2) Clear your browser cache before attempting recovery, 3) If you're on mobile, try switching to desktop or vice versa, and 4) The Login.gov help center has a live chat option during business hours that's often faster than phone support. Also, for those worried about security - yes, two-factor authentication is annoying at first, but it really does protect your benefits from scammers who specifically target Social Security accounts. The extra step is worth it to keep your information safe!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone still dealing with this - I had the exact same QR code issue last month and was completely panicked about losing my account history. What Marina found (going directly to Login.gov for recovery) is definitely the way to go! One thing that helped me was writing down my Login.gov username before starting the recovery process, since sometimes the system asks for it instead of just email. Also, if you're over 65, there's actually a dedicated Login.gov senior support line (1-844-875-6446) that's specifically trained to help with these authentication issues. They were much more patient than the regular tech support and walked me through each step. Don't let the technology intimidate you - your account and benefit history are safe, you just need to get past this login hurdle!

As a new member here, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! I've been struggling with the exact same Login.gov QR code issue for the past two weeks and was getting so frustrated I was ready to just delete everything and start over. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been a lifesaver. I'm going to try the direct Login.gov recovery process first, and if that doesn't work, I'll definitely call that senior support line that Connor mentioned (1-844-875-6446). It's amazing how a community like this can provide better guidance than the official websites sometimes. Thank you Marina for posting this question and thank you to everyone who shared their solutions - you've probably helped hundreds of people who will find this thread in the future!

I'm so grateful to have found this community discussion! I've been dealing with this exact Login.gov QR code nightmare for over a month now and was starting to think I was the only one struggling with it. Reading through everyone's solutions has given me hope that I don't have to delete my entire account and lose years of benefit history. I'm definitely going to try the Login.gov recovery process first, then potentially use that senior support line (1-844-875-6446) if needed. It's incredible how much more helpful this thread has been than the official SSA website - they really need to make these authentication issues and solutions more visible. Thank you Marina for asking the question that so many of us needed answered, and thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and workarounds. This is exactly why online communities are so valuable!

As someone who just joined this community after dealing with Login.gov issues myself, I can't thank everyone enough for sharing such detailed solutions! I've been locked out of my Social Security account for three weeks now and was getting desperate. The QR code authentication system is so confusing when you're not expecting it. I'm going to try the direct Login.gov recovery process that worked for Marina, and it's reassuring to know about that senior support line (1-844-875-6446) as a backup option. What really helps is seeing that multiple people have successfully resolved this WITHOUT having to delete their accounts and lose their history. This thread should honestly be pinned somewhere - it's providing better guidance than most official help pages! Thanks for creating such a supportive space where people can share real solutions to these frustrating tech problems.

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this thread has been incredibly enlightening! I'm currently facing this exact same Login.gov QR code issue and was starting to panic about potentially losing access to my Social Security account permanently. Reading through everyone's experiences has been such a relief - it's clear that this authentication problem is affecting many people, not just those of us who aren't tech-savvy. I'm particularly grateful for the step-by-step guidance about going directly to Login.gov for account recovery rather than trying to solve it through the SSA website. The senior support line number (1-844-875-6446) that Connor shared is also incredibly valuable information that really should be more widely publicized. It's frustrating that we have to rely on community forums to find these crucial resources! I'm planning to try the Login.gov recovery process first thing tomorrow morning, and knowing that Marina and others have successfully resolved this without losing their account history gives me so much hope. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their solutions - this kind of community support is exactly what people need when dealing with these confusing government authentication systems!

As a newcomer who just discovered this community, I have to say this entire thread has been a lifesaver! I've been struggling with the exact same Login.gov QR code issue for the past few weeks and was getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of clear guidance from official sources. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has given me so much hope - especially Marina's successful recovery using the direct Login.gov approach rather than going through the SSA website. The senior support line (1-844-875-6446) that Connor shared is pure gold and really should be prominently featured on government websites! It's incredible how this community has provided more practical, step-by-step solutions than any official help documentation I've found. I'm planning to try the Login.gov recovery process first, and knowing that so many people have resolved this without losing their account history is incredibly reassuring. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is going to help so many people who find themselves locked out and panicking about their Social Security access!