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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Amber C.
Just was told I did a duplicate comment. I did not. How do I reach the SS office in Hilo, Hawaii? I tried the phone system and the voice recognition sent me to completely random places that were unrelated to my request. I make my living with my voice and speak in standard English. I speak clearly and effectively. My husband really wants to retire. The log in methods all ask for an email but his log in is not an email. How do we get into the office in Hilo, HI?
Amber C.
How do I call my local office in Hilo Hawaii? I need to do face to face meeting. Where do I get contact info? Also, when I spoke to the computer phone system, to try and make an appointment, they misinterpreted all of my words and sent me to completely random places. I make my living with my voice so I know I speak clearly (teacher) in standard English and I didnʻt use Pigeon English. My husband really wants to retire. He has an account, but the log in isnʻt an email address. All of the various log in methods ask for an email. Please help.
Brenda
Kept asking me to create a password, that I did–then sent me authentication code and was denied..wanted me to create a new authentication code and did this 5 times and now they are saying I have wrong code. If you could email the correct code that you want me to use.
Colleen M.
I agree totally. Absolutely ridiculous and a total waste of my time. A redundant cycle. No wonder this country is in shambles
Kenneth
I been told to delete my account to change phone number so had to wait 24 hours to confirm deleting my account so they say I can use same email and create new account so I did that but it kept saying I already have account with my email but won’t let me in my account to look up my benefits..I don’t know what’s going on.
Rebeca
I no longer have the email that I was signing up with. How do I update my email to be able to view my account information.
Colin W.
Can’t access my account as my phone has been disconnected cause I have no money and staying in my family’s garage at the moment waiting . I have three submission updates but can’t access . This is fourth attempt to get assistance in last four days .
S.S.
Thank you reading our blog, Colin. We’re sorry to hear you’re experiencing issues with transitioning your my Social Security account. If you still need help with the transition, you can:
· Contact the Login.gov help center or the ID.me help center if you have questions about your Login.gov or ID.me credential.
· Watch our 3-minute video for step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition.
· Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov.
· Speak with a representative by calling our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.
We hope this helps.
Pam V.
I started the online application to start receiving retirement benefits. I had to save and close the application. I have my reentry #. When I sign in and click on return to application already started, all I get is a blank page with SS logo at the top and a message that they are not able to meet my request, please try later …for past 2 days.
Dessie M.
Morning, I am unable to access either mine or my husbands’ accounts. I have contacted our local office and they are not scheduling in person appointments either. Very frustrating!
Dessie
Morning, I am unable to access either mine or my husbands’ accounts. I have contacted our local office and they are not scheduling in person appointments either. Very frustrating!
Thomas D.
I have no longer able to access my email and do not know my logged name or user passwords
S.S.
Hi Thomas. 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.