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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Kenny S.
To go with my last comment, I’m in great need of a copy of my SSI papers, in order to receive much needed services (if they will even provide the service. Unfortunately as explained in a comment I made a few minutes ago, social security has made accessing that document impossible.
I am 70 with severe mobility handicap and no one to help me. The government and insurance has ignored my pleas for help by, for years now continuing to pass me from one service to another and no one will help. Complete elderly abuse.
Brian G.
I cannot log in with my login.gov code. I have been trying for months now and it keeps returning me to the login page. My code works for other government programs but not Social Security. Help.
S.S.
Hello, Brian. 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.
Kenneth S.
After finally getting their form filled out they SAY that my proper social security number does not work and to call them….no email or or text option.
Due to living so far out in the sticks and my phone service being so spotty, it is not usable. I use email/text for everything. Because of my severe mobility handicap, even if I could pay someone to drive me to a good reception area, which I cannot, I would have to get someone to load me into a vehicle and drive me down the road in order to make that call…not doable.
Seems they have now hidden any web or standard email options in order to make it, in my case, impossible to contact them. I suppose I’ll be doing without an account.
Linda D.
I’ve been trying to sign in for 2 days. Seems funny that it works on my cell phone but not on the computer. Beyond frustrated.
Chester W.
I cannot log onto my account. It wants me to send pictures through my phone which I cannot do. I used my laptop to create the account but it does not give me any option for verification using my laptop. I need my statement mailed to me’
S.S.
Hello, Chester. 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.
Jerry J.
I use Login.gov but after putting in my verification code I get “access denied”. I’ve tried this several times and still can’t access my SSA account. I called and was prompted to leave a call back number but never received a call back. This is frustrating as I can’t access my account!
S.S.
Hi Jerry. Thank you for reading our blog. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing 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.
Maria D.
This is beyond frustrating. Trying to sign in, cannot imagine someone who is not computer savvy doing this.
Vin
Hi chArles..I’m at same prob.almost.the call wait avg.told me 120min!.u should use login.gov instead of ID me.though my authentifcationcode comes.by mail 15_20 days!if u find out if visit to local office speeds this wait time pls email me.
Alton K.
Was on hold for 8 hrs trying to speak to someone about getting into my account no go they hung up each time after an hour still unresolved you guys are a joke
Sara G.
I get a blank page when I try to sign up for Medicare online
Jessie m.
I have an old account ties to my old email account with aol but aol is having a problem and I can access my aol account so I have changed my email but can’t access my old email and so can’t access my as account to change my email.I will enter my new email address
Jessie mulry
T.Y.
Hi, Jessie. Thank you for reading our blog. If you need to change your personal my Social Security account email address, please log in to your personal my Social Security account with your username and password. When prompted for the security code, indicate that you no longer have access to that email. Follow the on-screen instructions and request a reset code, which will be sent by U.S. mail to your verified address. We hope this information helps.