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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Ellen K.
The frustration behind doing all that is required including saving “backup codes” ONLY TO HAVE THOSE CODES DEEMED UNUSEABLE!!!!! is absolutely ridiculous!!!! And to be told that there is no answer as to WHY they are not working is unacceptable! I may be retired but I do not have time to waste sitting on hold for these garbage answers.
Mildred J.
My wife had to quit work because she couldn’t see to sew upholstery material in 1990. She tried other jobs until 1992. She was diagnosed with dry macular degeneration in 2007. In 2007 she had worked approximately 35 years +. She waited until she was 62 before trying for disability because we thought that was the way it worked. She saw the ssi doctor and was approved in Raleigh nc but when it came back to Hickory she was told she didn’t qualify for disability because she hadn’t worked in ten years. She starred drawing approximately $600. Through CoL raises she currently Drawing $777 a month. Is there away she could draw more a month ?
Hannelore R.
I have only one email account and you ask for a second one to create a loin.gov account?
Harold M.
Use the same email account.
T.Y.
Hello, Hannelore. Thank you for reading our blog. For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, watch our 3-minute video. If you still need help with transitioning your account, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-078). 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. 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. We hope this helps.
charles h.
Seeing alll the posts about unable to log in with login.gov, I am afraid to try it. Already had problem creating a login.gov account for my VA Medical center due to stupid info asked for, which I entered, but unaccepted. As I now see it, I plan to just forget about a login.gov account for SS, just wait to rec anything importaint by snail mail
Gary a.
I am unable to log into my account. The same for my husband’s account it won’t accept our passwords.
At one point it let me into mine, but then closed down.
T.Y.
Thank you for reading our blog, Gary and Teresa. We are sorry that you are having difficulty accessing your online account. We offer different ways to reset your password. 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.
Peggy C.
I received an email today that says social security is revoking my social security number. I ignored this, anyone else getting this?
Doc m.
I have problem with my Social Security mobile ℹI have problem with my Social Security mobile app I don’t know what to authenticator on my mobile app
Shirley G.
My address has only one street address. You require two.
John L.
This is what I get when I click log in.
Bad Request
Your browser sent a request that this server could not understand.
Size of a request header field exceeds server limit.
I need help as I cannot even log in with ID.me!
T.Y.
Hello, John. Thank you for reading our blog. 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. We hope this information is helpful.
Mary L.
In the process of the transition required for security purposes, I answered all the form questions, except for 2 out of 3 questions for a verification of my forgotten password.
Your immediate attention would be appreciated!
Thank you!
Ken C.
I have never been able to access the online services I signup just never could get the sign in part to work. there is no help from them I can’t even get them on the phone. it’s useless can’t even get a form for direct deposit