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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Debra T.
I lost all my login codes on my computer now I can’t sign in. what do I need to do?
delete my account and start a new one?
S.S.
Hi Debra. Thank you for reading our blog. If you are referring to your authentication 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.
Alberta c.
I have tried to enter my acct and it keeps telling me the secure code is incorrect. It hasn’t been 10 minutes. Why does it keep telling me the authentication code is wrong? I hate this new system. It is not user friendly.
debra d.
cannot get on my account
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Debra. 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 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.
Debra c.
Tried to sign on and had to change my password and now I’m suspended and my account is blocked after two attempts
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Debra. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. If you are suspended, please 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.
Rita M.
My new phone number is not on my account and I can’t receive the code because they texting old number.how can I log in
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Rita. 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.
Dawn B.
Hi i can not get in to request a copy of my 2024 benefit letter . Your tel is 3 hr wait. Please resend me my 2024 replacement copy ok??, a 1099 from you ssa to adress on my accout or email it i can print it . I need it for rent recert. Asap
S.S.
Thanks for reading our blog, Dawn. You can print your benefit verification letter by using your personal my Social Security account. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. If you still need help, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Patricia A.
This is not user friendly and my activation code says it is incorrect and it is not🤔
Esther
I have the same problem as you. I have repeatedly worked on this for the last 4 hours. I tried to call the helpline and my estimated wait time was 2 hours, that would have been closing time for them. I will have to take a vacation day to get in touch with them :(.
S.S.
Hi Patricia. Thank you for reading our blog. If you are having an issue with your authentication 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.
David L.
I have been unable to sign in using my user name and password several times.
Please provide me with a method to start over and get my information.
S.S.
Hi David. Thank you for reading our blog. 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. We hope this information is helpful.
Jodi W.
Problems signing in for a verified letter
S.S.
Thanks for reading our blog, Jodi. We are sorry that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are looking to get a benefit verification letter, you can use our automated telephone service by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a benefit verification. For more information about other automated services, visit Using Our Automated Telephone Services. You can also call 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.
David M.
I need an activation code. Where do I get one?
S.S.
Hello, David. Thank you for reading our blog. 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 did not receive an authentication 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.
Mary W.
I already have a login.gov account however the information was stored on my Dell computer ( windows 10 was the operating system then) My dell computer died in late august 2024 and I no longer have access to that information. Is there a way I can retrieve that information?
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Mary. We are sorry you no longer have your information. 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.