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
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Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
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John M.
I’m having trouble signing in. I put in my IDME account number and then put in the code sent to my phone by text.
I then end back at the page where I have to enter my IDME number all over again. What am I doing wrong
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, John. 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.
Julie A.
I just want to change my address, I’ve tried two times and been on hold for at least an hour. I am 82 years old and can’t drive. And I can’t just stay on the phone forever. Why are you making it so hard?
S.S.
Hi, Julie. Thank you for reading our blog. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We ask for your patience during busy periods. 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.
You can also submit feedback by visiting our How can we help? webpage. From there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email Our Support Team” form where you can submit a suggestion, complaint, or compliment. We hope this is resolved soon.
Jed C.
I deleted my old account and created a new account cause I ran out of secondary password. I need to get my newly made account relinked to my old account. I’m in a login loop until I got relinked,
S.S.
Hi Jed. 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.
Diana R.
I am having the same issue – after I enter my name and password, the system passes me in a loop – asking me to reverify my information and then telling me that I already have an ID and password and don’t need to reverify – but then puts me right back where I started!!! Very frustrating!
Marsha M.
I am having trouble signing in. I have been trying for several days now and I am unable to get someone to help and I need to include some important information but I cannot access my account.:(:(:(
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Marsha. 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.
Lee T.
I haven’t been able to sign into my SSA for months, what’s wrong with your system?
Juana S.
I have created an account and cannot login. I get a code sent to my cellphone and then I keep getting shunted to a page that is for authentication but when I agree to the terms and complete the template I get a message saying I already have a Login.gov account. I have already deleted one account to create this one and I do not want to have to create a 3rd account..
john j.
my wife has been in a nursing home for 5 years and cannot create her own login acct. I have POA. will she lose monthly benefits that i pay directly to snf if she does not have a login account and how do i get her one since I cannot create it.Thank you
Robert H.
I do not need or want 2FA (so-called Two-Factor Authentication) Since stroke I’m working w/left (weak) hand only; this is an unneeded hassle and problematic. I am disabled/handicapped. Also, I told you people back in 2017/2018 DO NOT CHARGE OR DEDUCT Medicare or Medicaid premium $$$ from my account EVER! If it requires payment I DONT’ Want It! Please refund any monies taken ASAP! Fail to do so will result in serious consequences. Again: DO NOT DEDUCT/CHARGE for Medicare/Medicaid premium(s) FOREVER!
(989) 541-1154 / 100 W. Sycamore St., Apt. #104, Durand, MI 48429
Linda L.
I want email and paper mailed notices. Your website will not accept when I try to save this. I’m on an iPhone 12 if that makes any difference.
Bret D.
I keep getting online and getting to the site but didn’t shuts me off and sends me in a New direction which is not where I want to go because I need to go to social security administration and speaking how to get an interview if you can let me know please let me know through this service thank you
Leo L.
I cannot figure out how to change my phone number to receive the security code
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog Leo. If you need help with transitioning your account, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-078). 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. 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.
Paul
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