How to Transition Your Social Security Account to Login.gov
Reading Time: 3 MinutesLast Updated: August 23, 2024
If you created a Social Security username more than 3 years ago, you will need to transition to a new or existing Login.gov account or use an ID.me account to have continuous access to our online services. We recently announced this news in a press release.
For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, watch this video. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov.
Beginning June 1, 2024, people who sign in to their personal my Social Security account with their username are given the option to transition to Login.gov. This blog provides additional information and guidance to help you with problems you may encounter. We’re also going to provide answers to some of the questions we’ve heard.
Who does this affect?
If you created your free and secure my Social Security account on or after September 18, 2021, no action is necessary because you already have the right setup. If you are among the 46 million people who created an account before September 18, 2021 and use your username and password to access Social Security online services today, you will need to create or use an existing account with one of our two Credential Service Providers (CSP) – Login.gov or ID.me.
Is there a deadline?
While you can still use a username and password to sign in to your personal my Social Security account right now, this option is going away later this year. At that time, you will be required to have a Login.gov or ID.me account if you want to continue to access your personal my Social Security and our many other convenient online services.
A personal my Social Security account provides tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, and manage the benefits you already receive. To learn more, visit What is an Account?
Why are you making this change?
This change will simplify your sign-in experience and better align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to our online services.
What do I need to do?
To avoid any disruptions in accessing our online services we encourage you to transition your account now by signing in to your account with your username and password. Our online instructions will guide you through the process of creating or signing in to an existing Login.gov account.
Information about Login.gov and ID.me
Login.gov is your one government account for simple, secure, and private access to participating government agencies. You can use your Login.gov account to access your Social Security benefit information, services, and other information. And you can use that same Login.gov account to manage other government benefits and services. For support, visit the Login.gov Help Center.
ID.me is a single sign-on provider that also meets the U.S. government’s online identity proofing and authentication requirements. You can use one ID.me account to access government and private services. For support – Go to the ID.me Help Center.
For more information, visit our Create an Account page.
Please share this information with friends and family, clients and colleagues, and others who may need it.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security, my Social Security account
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
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Michael
I can’t login ever since I switched to Login.gov. Is this the new way how things are done?
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Michael. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. You can call our “Help Desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “How can I help you today?” please say “Help Desk” for help to access my Social Security account. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this helps.
Glen
Ditto all above comments
Typical government mess simplicity made ridiculously unusable
Ken C.
Sorry, but I am NOT going to upload any form of my ID nor a selfie… I do not have the internet capability for video conferencing. So, is there any other option, or do I just stop using your (and all of the other government agencies) online services….
Laquita C.
I can’t not login
S.S.
Hi Laquita. Thank you for reading our blog. If you need help with transitioning your account, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, watch our 3-minute video. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. You may contact the Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts, and ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. We hope this helps.
Dao D.
I can’t login using Login.gov, every time i login it requires an activation code starting with letter A. How can I resolve this issue?
S.S.
Hi Dao. Thank you for reading our blog. If you did not receive an authentication code, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. We hope this helps.
DANA S.
The 3 diff. ways you have online I have tried them all. None work. need hearing determination and address change need to update. moved to Missouri, trying to get my retirement benefits. Can not do without hearing determination from Florida. Use my email, that you have. wifi bad here for phone. hearing was august 30th.
S.S.
We’re sorry to hear about your experience, Dana. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. Or you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can also submit feedback by visiting our How can we help? webpage. From there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email Our Support Team” form where you can submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this is resolved soon.
Vicky m.
I cannot open an account.
S.S.
Hi Vicky. Thank you for reading our blog. If you need help with transitioning your account, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, watch our 3-minute video. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. You may contact the Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts, and ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. We hope this helps.
Jack D.
I can’t access my account via login.gov -after 3 attempts!!
S.S.
Hello, Jack. Thank you for reading our blog. You can call our “Help Desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “How can I help you today?” please say “Help Desk” for help to access my Social Security account. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. You may contact the Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts. We hope this helps.
Faye G.
Was not able to log in, won’t accept all my information. Can’t verify my information.
S.S.
Hello, Faye. Thank you for reading our blog. You can call our “Help Desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “How can I help you today?” please say “Help Desk” for help to access my Social Security account. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. You may contact the Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts. We hope this helps.
Ronnie A.
I have been able to access account using user name and password for years then switched to Login.gov. I was able to log in one time. about 2 months ago now I receive a message saying un able to access account at this time try again later or contact help desk I’ve tried over 40 times contacted both help desks Social security and Login.gov they are saying its each others issue. I feel like a ping pong ball? So much for better security.
S.S.
Hello, Ronnie. Thank you for reading our blog. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. You can call our “Help Desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “How can I help you today?” please say “Help Desk” for help to access my Social Security account. The help desk is available to callers between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. You may contact the Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts. We hope this helps.