What You Need to Know
Accessing your Social Security information online is a fast and easy way to view and manage your Social Security benefits. In the past, people have been able use their Social Security Username to log in to their my Social Security account. You may have done so yourself many times. By the end of the year, this may no longer be an option for you.
On Sept 18, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began allowing logins to my Social Security accounts via Login.gov and ID.me while still leaving the Social Security Username option. Recently, though, the SSA has indicated that logging into my Social Security through your Social Security Username may no longer be an option by the end of this year.
According to a page on the Social Security website, “If you created a Social Security username before September 18, 2021, you need to transition to a new Login.gov account or use an existing Login.gov or ID.me account to access our online services.”
If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, no further action is necessary on your part.
Additionally, if you don’t have a U.S. mailing address but expect to receive Social Security benefits, you’ll have to use an ID.me account to access your Social Security account (not a Login.gov account). For more information, you can visit the SSA’s Service Around the World page.
Login.gov and ID.me
According to the Veterans Administration website, Login.gov is a one-stop login account administered by the U.S. government itself, while ID.me is a login account provided by a third-party provider. The SSA affirms that Login.gov and ID.me are both secure login options. You can have and use both account types at once.
The SSA has cited two main reasons for this login change. First, the SSA asserts using a Login.gov or ID.me account simplifies the sign-in process, as they are also valid sign-in options for other government services. Second, according to the SSA, Login.gov and ID.me meet federal authentication standards for safety and security.
Accessing Your Social Security Benefits
Accessing your Social Security benefits information through your my Social Security account is important for many reasons. You can use your my Social Security account to view information on your retirement, disability, survivor, and Supplemental Security Income benefits provided by the SSA. Through your my Social Security account, you can file for Social Security, access your Social Security statements and more. While you may be able to do all this via a phone or in-person appointment, logging in online is likely going to be the fastest and easiest method for you.
However, you can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time (TTY number: 1-800-325-0778). Alternatively, you can use the SSA’s Office Locator tool to find an SSA office near you (appointments recommended).
The Social Security Administration has provided some resources to help with the login transition process. To create a Login.gov account, watch this video. To create an ID.me account, follow these steps. You can also refer to the Social Security FAQ site here or call the SSA’s toll-free number (1-800-772-1213) to get your questions answered.
Protecting Your Social Security Benefits
One of the reasons the SSA has cited for these new login options are the enhanced security features they provide. So, aside from updating your Social Security login method, here are five more tips to strengthen the security of your Social Security benefits:
- Use strong passwords for your Login.gov and ID.me accounts. Strong passwords have 12 or more characters and mix uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols and numbers. You shouldn’t use these passwords anywhere else, and they should have no ties to your personal information or any dictionary words. The stronger your passwords, the less likely a bad actor will be able to figure them out.
- Store your passwords in an online password management system. Complex, strong passwords can be forgotten.
- Tell someone you trust how they can access your login credentials upon your incapacity or death.
- Use multi-factor authentication. When transitioning your login for your my Social Security account, use the “Text and Voice Message” option as your primary authentication method. Consider adding a second backup method as well.
- Make sure your physical Social Security card and other important documents are in a secure location (such as a safe).
Even if you aren’t yet receiving Social Security benefits, it’s a good idea to create a my Social Security account and log in to it every six months to check your personal information, earnings statements and benefits status to make sure everything is accurate.
These precautions, as well as using your Login.gov or ID.me account to access your my Social Security account, will help you safeguard your Social Security benefits for the long term.
