Some new changes have been made to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) online services. You’ll need to act soon if you set up your Social Security account online before September 18, 2021. The SSA wants everyone to switch to the new Login.gov method to change their accounts. You might not be able to get into your Social Security account if you don’t make the change. If you want to apply for benefits or are already getting them, you’ll need to update your account so that you can keep using all the online services. For example, you can use your account to manage your benefits, get new Social Security cards, figure out your future payments, and see the state of your applications.
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How to Make Sure Your Account Is Up-to-Date
To save everyone time, the SSA has set up online services. This is especially important since the national 800 number has had long wait times. In fact, people had to wait an average of 36 minutes in the second quarter! By September 2025, the SSA wants that time to be cut down to just 12 minutes. When you log in to your online Social Security account, you’ll see a link to Login.gov. An email will let you know when your account is linked, and then you can use your account and other services.
What Is Login.gov, and Why Should You Care?
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley announced the switch to Login.gov to make things easier for everyone. With Login.gov, you’ll be able to use the same login and password for all U.S. federal government websites. If you created your Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you’ll need to switch to a Login.gov account to keep things smooth across other government services. The good news? If you already have an ID.me or Login.gov account, you’re all set and don’t need to do anything else.
Protect Yourself from Scams!
It’s super important to be careful when updating your account. Make sure any website or email you’re using is legit and ends in “.gov.” There are scammers out there who might try to trick you into giving them your personal information by pretending to be the SSA. If anything looks suspicious, don’t click on it. Just to be safe, always go directly to the Social Security website.
How to Switch to Login.gov
Ready to update your account? Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to Your Social Security Account: Look for the option to change your account.
- Create and Link a New Account: As part of the switch, you’ll need to create a new Login.gov account and link it to your existing Social Security account.
- Get Confirmation: After you’ve completed the process, you’ll see a confirmation screen. This means you can now access all your information as usual.
Keep in mind that the SSA is just starting this process, so some people might not see the option to switch right away. If that happens, try searching for your account again or contact SSA customer service for help.
Is Switching to Login.gov Required?
By June 2024, more than 46 million of the 86 million users will need to switch to a Login.gov account. While there’s no set deadline for older accounts yet, the SSA is encouraging everyone to make the switch to meet federal authentication requirements and to make sure you can access other online services.
Why This Matters for You
This change isn’t just about Social Security. Other government agencies, like the Office of Personnel Management, the Small Business Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security, are also switching to Login.gov. Social Security is excited about this transition because it’s making things more secure and easier for millions of people to use. Updating your account now means you’ll be ready for these changes and can continue accessing the services you need without any hiccups.
FAQs
Why do I need to update my Social Security account?
To switch to the new Login.gov system and avoid losing access to your account.
What is Login.gov?
Login.gov is a unified login system for all U.S. federal government websites.
What should I do if I see suspicious emails about my Social Security account?
Avoid clicking on suspicious links and ensure emails end in “.gov.”
What happens if I don’t update my Social Security account?
You could lose access to your account and its online services.
Do I need to switch if I already have a Login.gov or ID.me account?
No, you don’t need to take any further action.
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