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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James
How could you release this system before testing it properly? It is obvious that most people are having difficulties transitioning to this system. When will it be ready?
Duane C.
Trying to set up account and it is asking for an activation code which I did not receive so I said didn’t receive activation code. Then another screen came up asking for all personal information including my social security number. I was not comfortable at this point and stopped as I read social security would never ask for personal information or your social security number.
RJM
The instructions are not clear – Nor does the site work. I am having the same issues with transitioning my existing account and getting the same error messages as ALL of the above. The site is stating my email is associated with another account – well yes, and this is an issue with your site – if you are forcing me to set up a new Login.gov sign on. Unbelievable- did anyone test this site before rolling out??????
Linda B.
I totally agree with all the comments. I have been locked out of my account and now trying to verify my identity is not going well. This is all a mess!
Nathan A.
Yeah fuck the government, scammers!
Deb
I agree with you that this site does NOT work!! I’ve tried multiple times & it wants me to create a new profile & the system doesn’t let you do that either
Drucille W.
I fee the same way Too much tech babel I just want to get to mt SSA info WTF
Alan C.
Stupid system. Does not work.
Ann M.
HA!!! I’ve been having troubles as well. Even called the help line and they tried assisting several times and I COULD NOT get past the password screen and they couldn’t figure out why, either. After seeing all these comments I’m guessing it’s on their end tho I’m the one that had to reboot all my stuff and it STILL doesn’t work.
I’m calling them back and ask them to check their end.
I am totally with you all on the frustration of all this. I’m close to crying. I hate technology.
Charlotte A.
I feel your pain. I hate technology also. I’m going to wait awhile before I try to do this as it apparently doesn’t work yet. Sigh.
Anne
I have tried to do this many timed and never get a code to enter so I cannot even start. Very discurging
Michael B.
when you request a code choose to have them call you instead of text, I went through the same hopeless feeling hope this helps you.
Leila
After reading the comments from other persons trying to set up their new account through Login.gov., I have decided to wait until I get a heads up that the actual system is up and running from an email letter telling me that all is good and secure. Thank you!
Russ A.
I transfered to the new system, the problem is lack of instructions or clear instructions. If you have an existing ss account you will see three ways to log in. Chose the new method that you want to use. Follow the instructions but will only get so far because you need an activation code. In small print it says the code would be mailed to me. Ya, it took 3 weeks to get the code. Maybe, but I am not certain, if I had a cell phone in my ss account they would have texted my code. I now have my cell phone number in my ss account because they send me a code every time I log into the new system. Good luck.
Michael L.
Just tried to update log on to new system. No luck. The instructions are not intuitive nor clear. Looking forward to an email update with better guidance.
Sandra K.
I signed up for new ID and never got my codes so I can’t sign in the want one of the 10 codes that I never received where did they go
Mary K.
terrible directions for linking Login.Gov and social security, it seems like an endless loop.
Sue S.
Unable to login. Please help.