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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Doris K.
I recently got an e-mail stating that there was a breech in my credit card company and my social security card number may have been hacked. How can I block my number to prevent future problems with someone using it without my permission
Angela C.
I am having the same issues as above. It is very frustrating! I’ve had identity theft recently via my SSN, & am trying to get a pin for future safety. I’ve downloaded my.id, created accounts, & it keeps redirecting me to create an account. 😩
Ricky C.
I’ve changed my email and my password like five times this is ridiculous
Karen D.
My ex husband passed away on Aug 2 and I want to know if I am eligible for his benefits since he had not remarried since we were divorced. I think I am but not sure. Please get back to me to let me know. Thank you.
S.S.
Hi, Karen. Thanks for reading our blog and for your questions. As his surviving spouse, you may also be able to receive monthly survivors benefits. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. For more information, visit our Survivors Planner. We hope this helps.
Harold M.
They forgot to mention exact date when Social Security Username accounts will be retired!
Robin J.
My sister has passed away. I need to notify Social Security. I have called and get no answer.
The way I understand it social security has to be notified in person. Can someone please help me? Deceased is Gloria J. Creel ssn ***-**-****.
S.S.
Hi, Robin. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Typically, the funeral director notifies us directly to report a death. To verify, you can contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Galina
I cannot access SSA account thru the existing Login.gov. After receiving the OTP code the message is saying “you cannot access We cannot process your request at this time. Please try again later.
If you need immediate assistance: please contact us.
Exit
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog. If you need help with transitioning your account, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). 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, and ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. We hope this helps.
JohnR
Most people I know do not have a computer , smartphone , and especially an email . What are they to do for their access to an account? What about my Amish and Mennonite neighbors ?
Randy S.
When I transitioned I used ID.me to sign in and ID.me will NOT allow me to see my security settings, only the email address. On that page it says I used ID.me to sign in and most of the info is not there. I also have a Login.gov account and when I try to sign in using that it treats me like I am creating a new SSA online account, which I am not. I want to be able to see the security settings page that I can see when I sign in using SSA username. Or and better yet I would like to use Login.gov to sign in but it wont let me. Help please!
Donna W.
I am also having these same problems. It keeps saying My email address is wrong when they ask for it a second time. Can we get in and then step by step transition?
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog Donna. 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.