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
Comments
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Robert M.
The ONLY agency that requires a US address to sign in with LogIn.Gov. No other agency requires this. They seem to want to block the millions, yes millions of US citizens that live outside the US.
Linda F.
Linda Freeman my social security number is *** ** ****. And it keeps telling that is not
Christine J.
I was under the assumption that I could apply for survivors benefits on line. Apparently not. So now I have been waiting for over 2 hours for someone to call me back. To make matters worse I can’t sign into my account to “manage” it. The web site recommends deleting the account and starting over. It hasn’t worked for me.
C.B.
Hi, Christine. Thanks for using our blog. We’re sorry to hear of your loss. You are correct, you cannot apply for survivor benefits online. To schedule a telephone appointment, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. A representative can also help with your account. We hope this information helps.
Anthony U.
Why can’t I access my account? I had an account created several months ago, in person, and received an activation code via the mail but the site will not allow me to use the code! Now I see the S.S.A. will no longer have face to face meeting as of March 17, 2025, and to use the phone to get help. The people on the phone, who are nice and courteous, cannot help. I have talked to persons on the phone at least five (5) times. Still no account access!
Carolyn S.
trying to login with login.gov – After entering my id & password it has me enter additional information to verify my identity then it displays ! We cannot create an account for the Social Security number you entered …..
****I DON’T want to CREATE I WANT to Access my account?????!!!!!
WB
I am in the same predicament! Very very maddening and I cannot seem to get out of this cycle. I feel your frustration too well. I called and was told the wait was 120 minutes gmab!!!!
Elisa
I have the same problem; it seems they’ve done something that has ruined the website just recently. My browser, Google Chrome, used to work seamlessly until a couple of weeks ago; now it freezes after entering a code and doesn’t go forward. Try another browser, like Edge. It’s really baffling…what could have happened recently?
Krista L.
Having problems viewing my account information
Roberto B.
I have tried from the beginning update my phone number information , but still in the log in page it states my son’s number where the security code is sent, can you please correct this so i dont have to call my son and get the code to log in ,i have already called login.gov and my carrier and veryfied all is good they say its in you updating system problem?? please call me 4326642967
C.B.
Hi, Roberto. Thanks for using our blog. You can only update your mailing address and phone number if you’re already getting benefits. If you are receiving benefits, depending on your benefit type, you may have to call us. 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. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. We hope this information is helpful.
Marie M.
I have repeatedly tried to contact SSA without success. On-line it keeps sending the verification code to a phone # that is no longer active. When trying to contact via phone, I’m on hold for hours with no success. Today I’ve been on hold for over 3 hours, & still holding!! VERY FRUSTRATED & ANGRY!
Peter L.
Website does not recognize me. Also tried I.D. me, it keeps asking repeatedly for drivers license photos front and back… did this twice but it seems to have ignored the photos. VERY FRUSTRATED!
I received an email that states I have a document for my review trying to get to that document, please help.
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Peter. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. 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.
Christine J.
I tried to get in with the same password and username that I’ve had for quite a while. Still can’t get in. I have important questions to ask. Just irritates me now I can’t get into it for 24 hours ridiculous. 😡
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Christine. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. 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.
Jorge V.
I created online accounts for myself and my wife over three years ago, I have no problem accessing mine, but my wife cannot access her, everything goes fine until the verification step; at this point, the wheel with the black dots keeps turning until the page disappears from the screen. Closing the account and opening a new one, as recommended, did not work.
S.S.
Thank you for reading our blog, Jorge. We are sorry you are having difficulty accessing your account. 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.
Donna H.
My account has my grandson tied to it some how. Won’t let me change. His name Austin Harkins