Changes Are Coming to How You Access Social Security’s Online Services
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: January 22, 2025
We’re making changes to the way you access Social Security’s online services, including your personal my Social Security account. The changes will simplify your sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards. At the same time, we’re continuing to provide safe and secure access to our online services.
If you created your my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you will still be able to use your username and password to sign in. However, you will not be able to do so for much longer.
In the near future, all users will need to have an account with one of our two Credential Service Providers (CSP) – Login.gov or ID.me – to access your personal my Social Security account and other online services.
To learn more, read our press release. If you have an existing Login.gov or ID.me account, you do NOT need to create a new one. And, if you can access your personal my Social Security account through Login.gov or ID.me, you don’t need to take any action.
If you don’t have a Login.gov account
To avoid any disruptions in accessing Social Security’s online services you may want to transition your account now by signing in with your Social Security username. Our online instructions will guide you through the process of creating a new account with Login.gov. Once you successfully link your personal my Social Security account with your new Login.gov account, you’ll get a confirmation screen and have immediate access to our online services. In the future, you’ll sign in to your account with Login.gov and not your Social Security username.
Login.gov offers 24/7 customer phone and chat support to answer your questions.
We encourage you to make the transition to Login.gov or ID.me now before the username option goes away later this year.
You’ll find more helpful information here.
Please share these important upcoming changes with your family members, friends, and colleagues.
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Tags: General Information, my Social Security, online services
See CommentsAbout the Author
Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications
Comments
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Linda S.
Way too complicated for the average senior ! It isn’t explained well enough what an Authenticator is along with other security features.
I think that one needs to understand better that most seniors are not that technically inclined, as maybe one day others making these decisions will find out themselves.
NormaW
This is another Epic Fail from another government agency that did not think about or test The Users! Please read all of these comments – no one has agreed to this or wants this change! Leave it alone!
Jerry P.
I have an ID.me log in which I have used for other federal benefits. When I try to use it for Social Security log in, an additional step requests that I send pictures of the front and back of my driver’s license. My first attempt did not go through. I’m apprehensive about continuing this process. It has not been an easy transition. I’m considering not having an online Social Security account!
T.Y.
Hi, Jerry. Thank you for reading our blog. You can contact ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. We hope this helps.
Bonita S.
I haven’t tried the Login.gov change yet, but the comments on here make me want to wait. Is there being anything done to help out with the problems noted in the comments. Let us know when the bugs are worked out.
Todd R.
The absolute worst website I’ve ever dealt with! I used to build and host websites for a living so I know there is no excuse for this hot mess! Its a shame when it’s more convenient to go all the way to my local office, wait in line outside until they open then get a number to wait until I’m called than to try and use this insane website
John R.
I had no issues at all changing over.
Just followed the prompts and was done in about 2 minutes
Rich Y.
I gave the only two phone numbers I have and my email address and S.S. sends me an email telling me they can’t find my email address. So, I can’t change over to this new was of signing in.
T.Y.
Hello, Rich. Thank you for reading our blog. If you need help with transitioning your account, you can contact Login.gov help center for assistance with Login.gov accounts, and ID.me support center for assistance with ID.me accounts. Call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) if you are locked out of your personal my Social Security account, or if you want to change your Multi-Factor Authentication method. 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. We hope this helps.
Gene S.
I am living in Malaysia. I don’t have the necessary information to create a Login or MyID. I don’t have a residence in the US. I no longer have a US drivers license because of the documentation required for the Real ID that was part of the Patriot Act. I wonder how long before they cut off our benefits unless we can meet the documentation requirements. I fear it’s coming!
Joe A.
I recieved the notice to transfer to the new system. I have not done so yet because I reading the new system reviews and they concern me greatly. Is Social Security working to fix the new sign in system issues?
T.Y.
Hi, Joe. 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 helps.
Kimberly B.
This is so frustrating! Rediculous!! Glad to see I’m not the only one. Something needs to be done because I need to access my account to get documents .