Social Security: Reminder to Update Your Online Account

Photo courtesy of Fox Business/Social SecurityPhoto byFox Business

If you recently got an email from the Social Security Administration, don't ignore it. Millions of people who created an online My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, will soon have to switch to a Login.gov account to be able to continue to access their information, according to the agency.

Per the Social Security Administration, all users will soon need to have either a Login.gov or ID.me account to access their Social Security account and other online services. Currently, an estimated 5 million account holders have already made the transition, part of an effort to simplify the process of signing in securely to access online services.

The Social Security Administration said, “46 million out of the 86 million people with a My Social Security account will need to shift to a Login.gov account to continue access to their online.” So far the SSA has not set a deadline for when legacy accounts will transition to Login.gov accounts.

The Social Security Administration hopes the new approach will help address complaints about lengthy wait times for callers to its 800 number.

Social Security Self-Service Option:

The "My Social Security" accounts are free and offer personalized tools regardless of whether they are receiving benefits. The service lets users apply for and manage benefits, as well as enable them to estimate future benefits and request replacement Social Security cards.

Social Security CommissioneMartin 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. This platform is a safe and secure way for people to do business with" his agency.”

The agency encouraged my Social Security account holders to sign in, and at that point, you be given an option to transition to Login.gov. Once your account is linked, a confirmation screen will appear, and can have access to your personal Social Security services or other tools.

Existing Login.gov or ID.me account holders do not need to create a new account or take any other action per the Social Security Administration.

Share Your Thoughts:

Account Holders who transition their account to either login.gov or ID.Me account. Do you think your information is more secure?