Millions of retirees will need to update their online accounts to maintain access to services provided by the U.S. federal agency as a result of a major Social Security change to its digital platforms. Users will not be able to access their online accounts without using Login.gov, according to officials. This change, which includes the use of ID.me, will affect anyone who created an account before September 18, 2021. This new change in Social Security online services is intended to allow users to access other government services, such as the IRS, and improve overall security measures.
new Social Security change will affect retirees accounts in the U.S.
Users should visit ssa.gov/myaccount to get started. They will have the option of registering for a new account or logging in with an existing account on that site. The system will guide you through linking your account to Login.gov after you log in with your current username and password. They will receive a confirmation screen after the account is linked and will have immediate access to Internet services. Users will no longer use their Social Security username to log in; instead, they will use Login.gov.
According to the SSA statement, all retirees are required to start the transition process as soon as possible. This Social Security change aims to simplify sign-in and comply with federal authentication requirements. Customers will soon need an account with one of two Credential Service Providers (CSP) to access other online services, including their own Social Security account. This change will impact millions of retired workers and ensure a safer online experience for all eligible individuals.
How will this Social Security change impact retirees?
Users who created an online account through My Social Security before September 18, 2021, will need to switch to a new login portal to maintain access to online services, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced. This change is in contrast to previous account creation, which allowed users to access services through a new login account. My Social Security accounts are accessible to individuals not only for receiving aid or retirement benefits but also for managing benefits, projecting retirement amounts, accessing Social Security statements, and other federal agencies that use Login.gov as their main secure sign-in account for its digital services.
Moreover, Social Security aims to make it harder for others to access information and protect accounts. The login process requires a two-step authentication process, sending a unique code to an email or phone number. In the past, retirees could log in using their email address instead of their Social Security user name. The federal agency has announced that these accounts will be closed beginning in September 2024. If you already have an ID.me or Login.gov account, there is no action required. We wanted to share the steps retirees need to consider to make the transition easier and to help retirees with this online transition:
- Log in to the Social Security account you are currently using.
- Locate the switch account option. As part of the transfer process, a new account must be created and linked to your current account. You will receive a confirmation screen. Once you have completed the steps, you will be able to access all of your information as usual.
It is important to note that some retirees may not be able to find the transfer option right away because the Social Security Administration has only recently begun the process. Try searching your account; if that does not help, contact SSA Customer Service.
Should all retirees switch to the new login account?
Login.gov is a secure sign-in service that allows the public to access participating government agencies. To access their websites or applications, users must create a Login.gov account, which allows them to access all agencies using the same login and password, streamlining productivity. A Social Security Administration spokesman told CNET that more than 46 million people, out of 86 million total customers, still need to migrate to a Login.gov account by June 2024. Since the transition is still in its early stages, the government has not set a deadline for legacy accounts to switch to Login.gov accounts.
Social Security’s new change is designed to streamline enrollment and meet federal authentication requirements. Customers will soon need an account with one of our two Credential Service Providers (CSP) to access other online services, including their own Social Security account. For this reason, all retirees should try to transition to the new login account as soon as possible.
