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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
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
Comments
Comments are closed.
Gloria M.
I received a message that I had a new message from SS and needed to log into my account to view it. I have been trying to log in for several days, but all i get is a message that says, “We cannot process at this time. Please try again later” I did not receive my SS check last month. I need to know if I am going to receive my SS check in two days.
T.Y.
Hi, Gloria. Thank you for reading our blog. 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.
William E.
I am unable to enter online or create an online SSA account. I am 91 years of age. I am unable to recall if I ever had an online account. I tried to create one online, but a message advised that I cannot do so. I currently received SS benefits each month.
T.Y.
Hi, William. Thank you for reading our blog. 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.
Catherine F.
I have been signing into my account for years. I changed my phone number, so now I cannot get the code!
I have tried to call for 2 wks, but the waiting times are always over an hour and a half. I’ve never gotten a call back yet.
Can you help? I need to get a verification letter.
thanks
T.Y.
Hello, Catherine. Thank you for reading our blog. We apologize for the call wait times you’ve experienced and understand how frustrating that can be. We are working to improve our wait times and appreciate your patience. If you are unable to create a personal my Social Security account, 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 visit our automated services page. You can also call your local Social Security office. To find out how to locate and contact your local office, visit our office locator page. We hope this helps.
john c.
tried to sign in today. the system did not accept my user name / password. locked me out. I am fairly certain the account was created before 2021. I created this account before i needed it so i wouldnt have this issue. well, here we are, im 65 trying to sign up .
T.Y.
Hi, John. Thank you for reading our blog. 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.
Kim
No access to my personal account. Asking me to verify my address but does not allow addresses outside the U.S. – How stupid is that? And I know they have my international address as they send me info via mail. Have had the account for 10+ years and was able to log in with my email and password but no more.
T.Y.
Hello, Kim. Thank you for reading our blog. You can access your personal my Social Security account by registering and signing in with ID.me. If you don’t have an ID.me account, you can visit here and select Sign in with ID.me to get the process started. Check out our Office of Earnings and International Operations page for more information. We hope this helps.
Tom T.
I no longer have access to my account that I have accessed for years online. After I changed my password on login.gov I was informed by an automated voice that an activation letter would be sent to my home address. Why? My login.gov account was already activated. I have provided all my information to verify my identity, including an authenticator code, but now must wait for a letter to find out why I did not receive a COLA increase! Adding insult to injury, phone contact did not work either.
Olivia A.
Can’t log in to my social security account using my login.gov account need help resetting
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Olivia. 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.
Howard F.
My phone number has changed and now I don’t have access to my old number and now I can not verify my account so it will not allow me to log in
T.Y.
Hi, Howard. Thank you for reading our blog. If you are having problems receiving or entering your activation code, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. We hope this helps.
Robin
Ditto for me. I’m 62 and am completely confused to login to my acct. never had a problem before. I have a right to see my account and or updates. Ty
Marcia S.
Ditto for me as well
T.Y.
Hi, Robin. Thank you for reading our blog. 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.
Martha K.
my husband William D Marshall & I share the same email mkmwdm4543@yahoo.com but for some reason I can not sign in to my acct anymore… my ssi is 462748684
J M.
Please, delete your SSN and your email from this site. You have set yourself up for fraudsters to steal your ID. Please, delete your personal information immediately, as anyone can see it. Call 1-800-772-1213 for personalized help from Social Security.
Susan F.
You really shouldn’t put your personal information on this comment section. Somebody will steal your identity!! I would remove that immediately!!
T.Y.
Hello, Martha. Each person must set up their own Login.gov account with their own personal email address – not an email that you share with someone else. As a reminder, never post your personal information on social media. We hope this helps.