Millions of Americans receiving Social Security benefits will soon need to move to a new login portal to access their online account information. The SSA announced that users who created an online My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, will need to transition to a Login.gov account for continued access to their online services.
According to the SSA, all users will need to have either a Login.gov or ID.me account to access their Social Security account as well as other online services. This change aims to enhance security and streamline the user experience.
Number of Social Security users not updated
While over five million account holders have already made the switch to 2-step authentication and do not need to create a new account, there are still about forty-six million users who must transition to the Login.gov account.
If you are one of these users, it’s crucial to take action promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to your SSA information and services.
Do so to secure your account, and make the necessary updates to continue enjoying seamless online access to your Social Security benefits.
Transition to Login.gov Underway
“We are currently in the beginning stages of this transition process and our current goal is to notify the public about these upcoming changes. As such, we have not set a final deadline for these remaining accounts to transition to Login.gov,” a spokesperson stated.
How to Transition Your Account
If you are a current account holder looking to make the switch, follow these simple steps:
- Log in using your existing credentials.
- Select the option to switch to Login.gov.
- A confirmation will appear indicating your account has been successfully linked.
- Enjoy continued access to your personal “my Social Security” account services.
By staying proactive and making these transitions, you can ensure that your retirement planning remains on track.
Improving Customer Service at the Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is making significant strides to address its customer service crisis. The agency recently announced measures aimed at reducing the lengthy wait times for callers to its 800 number.
In April, the average wait time for a call to the SSA was about 24 minutes, a substantial improvement from the 42 minutes recorded in November. The goal is to bring this number down even further, targeting an average wait time of about 32 minutes by the end of September 2025.
Introducing My Social Security and Login.gov
SSA’s Commissioner Martin O’Malley emphasized the importance of the new changes in a recent statement. “My Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us,” he 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.” The transition to Login.gov is expected to simplify the process for users, making it easier and more efficient to manage their SSA matters online.
Benefits of “My Social Security” Accounts
The “my Social Security” accounts offer a range of features designed to assist both beneficiaries and those not yet receiving benefits. These accounts are free and provide the following services:
- Apply for and manage benefits
- Request SSA card replacements
- Estimate future benefits
- Check the status of benefit applications
By utilizing these online services, users can handle their Social Security needs more conveniently and efficiently.