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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Willi G.
I tried several times to create a Login.gov account, and came as far as “check your e-mail”. I never received an e-mail for confirming my e-mail account. Please help, I am stuck.
Dani M.
My husband and I share the same email address. I was able to register myself but now can’t register my husband because I get a message stating this email address is already in use. We don’t want to have two different email address. Is there a solution to this problem? I am sure others have experienced this.
S.D.
Thanks for your question, Dani. Each person must set up their own Login.gov account with their own personal email address, not an email shared with someone else. We hope this helps.
larry 0.
You make it so difficult to log into your account or how to change information I’ve been trying for the last two hours to log into my account with no success I give up. I’m tired of the government changing things around and make it just difficult for people the systems broken.
August J.
I WAS able to get access through LOGIN.gov, did a few things – which went very well. Signed off, then went back a while later to do some more “stuff”, and lo and behold got into a loop of some sort telling me I didn’t need to set up another account. Been at it for two days now, off and on. Gonna try again after the weekend … maybe. If no luck online I’ll be heading to the Soc Sec office to sit in their office a few hours. This is socialism at it’s finest.
Wanda S.
Cannot receive text message (316-655-3879) with code to link my social security information to Login.gov.
I can access Login.gov. but cannot access my social security information.
LarryGeorge
followingtimeenfufthnksforall
Nellie
HI how are you doing
Susan P.
I can’t get the statement
Susan P.
susanis6010@gmail.com
S.D.
Thanks for your question, Wanda. It’s possible that multi-factor text messages are blocked on your phone, or you have previously opted out of receiving text messages from Social Security. Please verify with your cellphone provider that text messages from Social Security are allowed. If you have previously opted out of our text messages by replying STOP, please 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.
Carl H.
Frustrated with the process, especially establishing identity via photos.
Miss. B.
OK. I have been
Trying ever since
9 am it’s now
3:30 pm. To get my
Direct express card fixed. No. Luck. I’ve cried, had
Anxiety attack . Still can’t pay my bills. Thanks for
Nothing. Signed
Very.very. upset
Disabled lady…….
S.D.
Hi, Barbara. We’re sorry to hear about your situation. Please call Direct Express Customer Service at 1-888-741-1115. We hope this helps.
Anna M.
I have tried multiple times to transition to Login.gov and each time I have been locked out because I have tried too many times. Several times I was told that I already have a SSA account and can’t create a new one. When I go to login in to my SSA I get a message that they don’t recognize my User or Password.
I have been on hold to speak to a rep for over a half hour. Please send out notices when your system is fixed and then I hope to be able to see my account again.
Ron C.
This is insanity. Like everyone else above, my wife and I have both tried to create Login.gov accounts, to no avail. In the process, my wife was locked out completely and a letter was sent by SSA supposedly telling her how to unlock it. Guess what! It didn’t work! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! What are supposed to do now? How are we supposed to access our info and make changes, etc? When is SSA going to fix this or go back to the old way, WHICH WORKED?!
Derrick H.
I created a Login.gov account a few months ago now I can’t login and can’t even get any progress from the so called ‘help’ option even though i finally managed to update my phone number.