Recently, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced some changes to how you access your online Social Security account. You may have received an email about these changes. We’ve provided a summary below to help you get started.
What’s Changing?
The SSA is making updates to the way you login to your online Social Security account to enhance both ease of use and security. Soon, you will no longer be able to use your current Social Security username and password. Instead, you will need to create an account with one of their Credential Service Providers (CSP): Login.gov or ID.me.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
- If You Already Have an Account: If you set up your my Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you can still use your username and password for now. However, it’s important to remember that this option will be phased out soon. To ensure uninterrupted access, transitioning to a Login.gov or ID.me account as soon as possible is essential.
- For Everyone: Eventually, all users will need to sign in using either a Login.gov or ID.me account to access your Social Security account. This new sign-in method will replace the old username and password system completely.
Why This Matters
The SSA’s goal with these changes is to improve the security of your personal information and streamline your Social Security login experience. These changes align with federal authentication standards, ensuring that your access to online services is both safe and secure.
What You Should Do Next
To avoid any disruption in accessing your online services, the SSA recommends transitioning your account now. Here’s how you can do it:
- Visit the SSA’s Website: Go to the SSA’s website and click on the “Sign in” button at the top of the page.
- Sign In with Your Current Username: Use your existing Social Security username and password to sign in.
- Follow the Prompts: Once signed in, you’ll be prompted to create a new Login.gov account. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new account.
- Successfully Link Your Accounts: Once your my Social Security account is linked to your Login.gov account, you should see a confirmation screen letting you know that your accounts have been successfully connected.
Transitioning to this new Social Security login system is a proactive step towards safeguarding your personal information. It’s important to complete this process sooner rather than later to ensure seamless access to your benefits and services.
Need Help?
If you run into any issues or have questions during this process, don’t worry—Login.gov has 24/7 customer support. They provide phone and chat support to assist you with creating your account and linking it to your Social Security account. Their support team is equipped to help you navigate any challenges you might encounter, ensuring a smooth transition to the new login system.
Learn More
For more detailed information about these changes and guidance on transitioning your account, please visit the SSA’s website and read their full article here.
Looking to learn more about Social Security? You can view our additional resources on our website. You can also contact your Aspyre Wealth Partners financial planner to discuss Social Security and get personalized advice.