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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Joyce W.
Most frustrating site to deal with!
Gary C.
I keep getting error messages when I try to create an account on Login.gov. There is no way I am using that terrible and insecure third party ID.me site. I read that they have been hacked and some people have accused them of selling information. Beware! All of our information should be contained within the SSA web site and not farmed out to third party hacks.
Linnea #.
FRUSTRATING. Beware of the government trying to help, it just gets more confusing. I couldn’t remember my SSA Pwd. Tried to get a new one, entered my login ID, SSN & date of brith, but they don’t recognize me. I went in through the Login.Gov, which doesn’t make much sense and definitely not user friendly.
Steven W.
Can you stop sending emails to me as I reside in the UK.
Neal
Why make 46 MILLION users create new accounts, requiring them to enter their personal information ( SS#, BD etc) into another vendor database? Couldn’t they simply update their software to a more secure system and ask for users to change passwords to more secure ones?
Karen E.
I have tried to set up a log in for my husband off and on for two weeks. This is very frustrating! Can’t you simplify this at all?
Elizabeth R.
I am not able to access my information .I have tried to contact by phone, only to be told it will take 2 hours for assistance.This is totally ridiculous.
Sheryl W.
Everything worked out just fine for me in creating my new account. Thanks for the clear instructions and nice interfaces.
Frances
There’s always one in the bunch. Meanwhile the rest of us are fed up. Congratulations, anyway.
Zbigniew M.
Paranoia. Now I can’t access my and my wife’s Social Security account. To me this is a criminal matter. Unbelievable scum.
Ron K.
I find it a major security risk to be forced to use my email address to login in @ Login.gov ! It is more secure to be able to select a username like I could @ SocialSecurity.gov