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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David W.
Your site will not accept the verification code. Tried it twice with correct code and your site says it’s incorrect.
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, David. 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.
Geary M.
I have to request a pass code to enter my account. I have to LEAVE my position in the log-in procedure to get that pass code.
When I re-enter my account log-in procedure, I have to confirm my e-mail address, and that forces me to get a new pass code. And around we go. Again. And again. and again.
Robert F.
Why is this not sent by letter? Or email?
Is this real? If so what is absolute deadline to register on login.gov?
Carol A.
I have just wanted to have my address spelled correctly. I got two mailings recently and the spelling of my street name is off by one letter. It’s Cherrydell and not Cherrybell. I need the two mailings sent out again with the right spelling. Thank you so much
S.S.
Thanks for reading our blog, Carol. We are sorry to hear this. If you are receiving Social Security Benefits, you can use our automated telephone service to change your address by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting an address change. For more information about other automated services, visit Using Our Automated Telephone Services. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income you can contact your local Social Security office. Use our Social Security office locator to find out how to contact your local office. We hope this information is helpful.
Charles S.
I’ve been trying to login for 2 weeks and I am constantly told that “I don’t need 2 accounts”. WTF IS WRONG WITH THIS SYSTEM? THE PERSON IN CHARGE SHOULD BE FIRED IMMEDIATELY!!!
Cynthia K.
Me Too!!!!!!That’s the message I received. Now I am blocked.
Robert B.
I have the same problem. Keeps telling me I don’t need two accounts, and it won’t let me into mine.
Anna C.
I am unable as well to login using my old sign in and now blocked
S.S.
Hi Anna. 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.
Earl B.
First: I drove by the local SSA office on Hwy. 66 in NJ and it was deserted. Can you please tell me where they moved to?
Second: I received 2 message notices and couldn’t access them, even though I changed my password. One was the amount of my monthly benefit for 2025, and the other, no idea what it was about. Can you please help? Thanks, EB
S.S.
Hi Earl. Thank you for reading our blog. You can find the location and phone number of your local office by using our Social Security Office Locator. If you have further questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We hope this helps.
Robi D.
I set up an account several months ago, but I recently changed my email address to a new one. I tried logging in using the new email address that I sent to you, but now it won’t let me log in without an activation code. It seems to be sort of a loop that I cannot get out of. I tried setting up a new account, but it says I already have an activation code, but the old one from months ago does not work.
S.S.
Hello, Robi. Thank you for reading our blog. 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. 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.
Dolores r.
What if family members don’t have access to computer or have a smart phone, then what?
RAMIRO A.
The system doesn’t recognize my ssn and birthdate.
Therefore, I can’t into my account.
Dave T.
Nothing will kill a great employee faster than watching them tolerate a bad one
sam a.
ditto ,same here
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Ramiro. We are sorry that you are having difficulty accessing your online 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.