Social Security announces change affecting millions of account holders

Social Security Administration login online services transition account holders my Social Security Login.gov ID.me

The Social Security Administration is updating how millions of recipients can access online services by transitioning account holders from "my Social Security" accounts to new Login.gov accounts. The transition will "simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services," the agency said in a news release. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)AP

WASHINGTON -- The Social Security Administration is making a change to how recipients can access online services.

Social Security recipients who created an online account with “my Social Security” before Sept. 18, 2021, will soon be required to switch to a Login.gov account to continue to access online services, the agency announced.

In order to make the change, account holders are encouraged to sign-in and, upon doing so, will be presented with an option to transition to a Login.gov account. A confirmation screen will appear when the user’s new Login.gov account is successfully linked, and they will have immediate access to Social Security online services.

More than five million account holders have already transitioned to a Login.gov account, according to SSA. However, those with existing Login.gov or ID.me accounts do not need to create a new account or take any action.

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The transition from previous SS accounts to the new Login.gov will “simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services,” the agency said in a news release. Recipients can use online services to request a replacement Social Security card, manage benefits, estimate future benefits, check the status of an application and more.

my Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us,” Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley said. “We’re excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies.”

Zach Mentz

Stories by Zach Mentz

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