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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JT J.
Login.gov is unable to verify my identity. I’m getting a message that states that my identity information from Login.gov does not match Login.gov records.
There have been no changes to my personal information, such as my name, Social Security Administration, External website Login.gov.
Will the identity information mismatch affect my Social Security benefits?
Laura
It seems I am not alone with complaints. Set up an account 3 months ago with my gov’t ID card which you can’t seem to read even though it allowed me to open my email, etc. this morning.
And what is the deal about just now telling me I have to wait 3 weeks for a mailed activation code. this is crazy!
Maria W.
I can no longer find the link to send in copies of my paystubs. Now how is it supposed to get done?
Robert
Unable to sign in…you say You are not available !!!!
Victoria G.
I tried to set up an account and they said I already had one so I tried to use it my username and my email my birthday my social security number but I cannot remember my password and I didn’t find any place where I could change the password please help
Jim
Who dreams this ridiculous nonsense up? My wife can barely operated a cell phone (and doesn’t want to) and now you’re requiring her to double authenticate? I know, give me your personal cell phone number and we’ll call you when she’d like to check her SSA benefits! Oh, that won’t be soon – you’re *mailing* an identity code that we’ll now have to go online and plug in God knows where.
You’re using my tax dollars for this crap? You should be fired immediately.
Theresa
Our lovely government does! I got logged in but it just shows my information. No messages or anything about the social security payments or anything. For some reason I got a 266 deposit but don’t know why.
Cheri O.
After setting up Login.gov accounts, find that there is no way to “Sign Out” after logging in. The user name and password stay on the Login screen and are always there which is a security concern. Why is there no “Logout” or “Sign Out” capability???
Sue
I tried 3 times and each time the texted one-time code was not active no matter how fast I typed it in. Now it is being sent by snail mail. It was so much easier with User Name and Password. Not impressed. I am unable to see in one eye, so small print which is what happened when everything lifted from my computer to my phone where the print is miniscule made it near impossible to rush, plus my hands are arthritic and that. just added to the frustration. So disappointed.
Frances
I have the same problem. Cataract in one eye and shaky hands and arthritis, so the phone is completely out of the question to use for so many things. Plus, do they really expect an 82 year old person to remember the password or, if that person wrote it down and put it in a secret place, where that spot was..
Tom J.
Logged into my SSA.Gov account at 12:49PM to transition to Login.Gov per email notification. After 11 texts from Login.Gov I was able to reset a password for a Login.Gov account that I did not know existed. All looks ok with the account information, but I would be more comfortable if I knew when, and how, I set up this Login.Gov account. The final message received at 1:29PM notified me that I am to receive an authentication code in 15 to 20 days and will need to follow the instructions to activate my account.
Bridget J.
Trying to open a Login.gov account as per Social Security website instructions. I followed all instructions. All my information is correct. I keep getting an error message telling me the site cannot set up a LogIn.gov account with my social security number. Tried over numerous days. Come on US Gov, GET IT TOGETHER