Social Security online users will soon need to create Login.gov accounts if they haven’t already. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is transitioning all users who made their accounts before September 18, 2021, to the Login.gov platform. This change aims to simplify the sign-in process and provide more secure access to online services.
Key Takeaways
- Users with accounts created before September 18, 2021, must transition to Login.gov.
- The change aims to enhance security and streamline the sign-in process.
- ID.me is an alternative authentication method, especially for users outside the U.S.
- The transition will be completed by September 2024.
Why the Change?
The SSA is making this transition to improve the security and ease of accessing online services. According to Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley, "my Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us. 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."
Enhanced Security with Login.gov
Login.gov is a federal government-run website designed to authenticate the identity of online account holders. Users who aren’t using Login.gov or another government-approved authenticator, such as ID.me, will be required to do so in the coming months. This change is particularly important for those who created their Social Security accounts before September 18, 2021, and sign in with a username instead of an email address.
How to Update Your Login
For users who do not currently use Login.gov, switching over an account can be easily done when logging into my Social Security. Here’s how:
- Log in to the my Social Security website with your username and password as usual.
- Users with soon-to-be outdated accounts will be given an option to transfer over to the Login.gov system.
- Set up a second authentication method.
- Once linked, a confirmation message will be shown, and your Login.gov credentials can be used to sign in to my Social Security in the future.
Benefits of a my Social Security Account
Creating a my Social Security account is beneficial whether you’re eligible for benefits or still decades away from retirement. Here are some of the tasks you can accomplish with an account:
- Estimate your benefits
- Track your earnings history
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Choose to get available notices online instead of by mail
- Receive alerts by email or text when you have a notice available
Preventing Fraud and Identity Theft
Opening a my Social Security account can help prevent fraud and identity theft. If criminals obtain your Social Security number, they may try to open a my Social Security account in your name and redirect your benefits to an account they control. By opening your account now, you can help prevent this scenario, as only one my Social Security account can be open per Social Security number.
Services for International Users
Social Security’s Office of Earnings & International Operations (OEIO) assists beneficiaries who live outside the United States or plan to leave the country. While there are no Social Security offices outside the U.S., American embassies and consulates have trained personnel to assist you. Previously, a U.S. mailing address was required to access my Social Security accounts, but now, many people without a U.S. mailing address can create a personal account and use the online services with an ID.me credential.
Conclusion
The transition to Login.gov is a significant change aimed at enhancing the security and ease of accessing Social Security online services. Whether you are in the U.S. or abroad, updating your login credentials will ensure you continue to have secure access to your Social Security information.
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