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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Rebecca Z.
The worst thing you can do is to end mailings to people. I do have an account but STRUGGLE with it, especially now. I DO NOT WANT MY physically MAILED NOTIFICATIONS STOPPED! THERE IS NOTHING ON THIS WEBSITE THAT GIVES YOU A CHOICE!
S.D.
Hi, Rebecca. Thank you for reading our blog and for your comments. Unless you opt out of mailed notices, you will continue to receive them by mail. You can change the way you prefer to receive communications from us in the Message Center of your my Social Security account. To learn more, read our blog. We hope this helps.
Cecile Y.
I can still access my account using username and password. I tried transitioning my online account with login.gov . it said i have to have activation code. I just wonder where can i get the activation code, by email or USPS mail? please help!
S.D.
Thanks for your question, Cecile. If you create a new Login.gov credential, you will need an activation code to finish transitioning your personal my Social Security account. You only have to do this part once. You are given the option to receive your activation code by mail, text message, or automated phone call. In some cases, we must mail you an activation code because we are unable to verify your phone number. You should receive your activation code in the mail within 10 days. The activation code is valid for 30 days. If you do not activate your account within 30 days, you must request a new activation code. If you are having problems receiving or entering your activation code, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. We hope this helps.
Shiferaw M.
Currently I am recovering my social security benefits. I am staying in Ethiopia. I tried to migrate to log.gov. The problem is it requires US phone number. In this case I can not use Ethio telecom phone number. What can I do with this obstacle?
S.D.
Thanks for your question, Shiferaw. You have the option to create an account with ID.me following the instructions on our Service Around the World page. Many online services can now be accessed overseas with an ID.me account. We hope this helps.
Mary I.
8/2/2024…I am on hold on social security…cannot log in…etc……my account is very old so I need to transition. THERE ARE NO WRITTEN DIRECTIONS!…was sent to a youtube video…CANNOT REMEMBER ALL OF THOSE OR WRITE THEM DOWN that quickly…WHERE ARE THE WRITTEN DIRECTIONS…
I pressed option 1 to have callback…37 min. they said!….they did not hang up….now it’s music…so Pressed 1 to have call back…..so the phone voice/robo doesnt work properly either. YIKES!!!!
Betty B.
I think it’s a shame that you all are taking our money for part B now for sure we can’t afford to live I didn’t see a cost of living raise I hope y’all live long enough to see how it feels
jackie j.
too hard to use
Mike R.
I have an activation code but when I go through the process CAREFULLY, I get this:
“We cannot process your request at this time. Please try again later.”
So WHAT NOW???
Bill g.
This is a complete terrible transition. Did anyone check this all before going live? Shame shame
larry h.
This is terrible. Why are you doing this? It’s too complicated and just make things harder instead of easier.
Richard H.
I cannot access my account to change my Log in, I forgot my user name and password. Please help
Kim
My direct deposit has been sent but I have not received it in my bank account
What is happening to y’all at SSA
S.D.
Thanks for your question, Richard. If you cannot remember or need to reset your Social Security password for your account before you transition to Login.gov, visit the sign-in page and select the “Sign in with Social Security Username”. From there, select “Forgot Password?” and complete the steps.