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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Inge D.
Sir,
I changed my password to Login.gov. Everything was working fine and now when I try to access my account I get this message: We cannot process your request at this time. Please try again later.
If you need immediate assistance: please contact us.
I have tried a dozen times and still get the same message response.
NAGIB A.
I can’t login to my account because my phone number is lost and I want update the number but I can’t please I need help
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Nagib. 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.
Mike R.
Your website won’t let me apply SSA. It keeps telling me I have to click YES that I was unable to work within the last 14 months.
Rosalie
the activation code I received does not work. it says it is incorrect every time I request one.
S.S.
Hi Rosalie. Thank you for reading our blog. 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.
David B.
I cannot log in to my account using the ID.me. I have attempted verifying on ID.me and has proven to be more than difficult to accomplish. Is there a way to contact the SS admin to be walked thru this process. I have as well attempted your 800 access number and was of no practical use. I need assistance accessing my account, please help.
T.Y.
We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account, David. Thank you for reading our blog. If you need help, 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 ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. We hope this helps.
Richard L.
me and my wife use the same email address.
it won’t let me use the same email address.
what do we do?
S.S.
Hello, Richard. Thanks for reading our blog. We understand your frustration. However, each person must set up their own Login.gov account with their own personal email address – not an email that you share with someone else. We also encourage you to visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov. We hope this helps.
Richard L.
Me and my wife use the same email address. it won’t let me u
Richard L.
Me and my wife use the same email add
LINDA B.
I have internet now but plan to cancel the service at the end of the year, if we do not have internet then do we need to still to have a Login.gov account? I have been drawing SS since 2010 and my health insurance is arranged by the company I retired from. What do I need to do?
Alvin J.
I am unable to login to my account today using ID.me which I have used many times before. Why?
S.S.
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.