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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Eleanor J.
I received social Security benefits notice in the mail telling me to review the summary that is enclosed, but there is nothing enclosed. There’s only the one page notice and no contact info is included. I have been unable to login to the ssa.gov website ever since I applied for Social Security. I was able to visit the site freely before applying. Now, I have no access to ssa.gov. I am unable to re Jew the summary as instructed in the letter. Was there supposed to be someone closed with the notice?
Andres M.
I forgot my username and password and I don’t know how recover them.
S.S.
Hi, Andres, Thanks for reading our blog. 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.
Bill J.
I am able to log on to login.gov using a code sent via phone call to my Comcast land line. When I go to my.ssa, it asks for another code. That code is sent to the same land line but instead of ringing, it goes directly to voicemail and the message is truncated so that I can’t get the code. The only other option listed for code delivery is by mail. Is there a problem with the outbound calling that it goes directly to voicemail and apparently doesn’t wait for the tone to start the message? How do I change the call to go to my cellphone without first being able to log on to my account? Thanks.
S.S.
Hi, Bill, Thanks for reading our blog. 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.
Clarita S.
I called the SSA main number many times these entire months of November & December. I also called the Reno, NV office to make an appointment. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING. Called these numbers early morning, later in the afternoon, end of week, end of month, No Luck. The main number says “the wait will be too long” more than 2 hrs”. The Reno, NV number says “we cant talk on the phone, we are too busy”. Today, 12/30/24, I went to the Reno office just to SET UP AN APPT, was turned away because I had no appt. I told them that I am unable to make one because no one answers the phones. WHY MAKE IT SO DIFFICULT TO GET HELP? My issue says I need to see an SSA person to resolve it. Can’t be done online. I even went to the Reno Senior Center to get help, no luck. Please I need help! Can I at least make an appt with the Reno Office?
S.S.
Hello Clarita. We are sorry to hear this. You can submit feedback by visiting our Contact Social Security webpage. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. In the meantime, we have forwarded your note to our colleagues in Reno, NV. We hope this helps.
Georgie f.
I am unable to login in on my account tried going through changing my password but it said my information ie my as number and dob were incorrect. They are not incorrect. Why is it not taking my correct information
S.S.
Hi, Georgie, Thanks for reading our blog. 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.
Brenda
I created a Login.gov quite a while ago. Every time I try to log into it, it gives me a message about unable to create an account. I am not trying to create an account. I have had one for years. Is anyone else having this problem? I tried calling it tells me to ask for helpdesk, but there’s no way to do that. It just gives you a long list of things that it pertains to nothing. I need to know.
S.S.
Hi Brenda. 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.
Laverta D.
My phone is off. I have wifi so I’m trying to log into my account. I can’t receive text messages to receive my code. Is there any other way I can get the Info I need. Can’t call or receive texts messages. Only can receive thru my E-mail.
S.S.
Hi Laverta. 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.
Frances C.
I am unable to log in to my account with unknown reason and need help. Am unable to locate and read messages sent to me.
THOMAS F.
I got my info on the new login the had my wife give her info for the new login using the same pswd as me. I hit continue and my info came up. Now it says I have her email to log in she seemed to get in fine. I can’t log in. Help
S.S.
Hi, Thomas, Thanks for reading our blog. 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.
S.S.
Hi, Frances, Thanks for reading our blog. 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.
Janice G.
I can log into my account with my username and password but when I use my Login.gov it directs me to my husbands SS account. I can’t find where the link between my Login.gov and the SS account is so I can redirect it to my SS account.
S.S.
Hi Janice. 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.
Ronald H.
I live overseas in Zagreb, Croatia. I am unable to log in to my account because it now requires a US mailing address. Please tell me how to fix this.
Ronald Horne