If you received an email from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the last few days, don’t overlook it, handfuls of people who created an online My Social Security account before September 18, 2021 will very soon have to switch to a Login.gov to be able to continue to have access to your information, according to the agency.
Very soon all users are going to need an account on Login.gov or ID.me to be able to count on accessing their Social Security account and other online services, the SSA said, more than 5 million account holders have already made the migration, as part of an effort to make the secure login process for accessing online services simpler.
Changes in the Way Social Security Beneficiaries Can Access Their Data
As of June, about 46 million of the 86 million people who have a My Social Security user will have to switch to an account Login.gov so that their access remains active on its online services, the SSA said.
“We have not set a final deadline for legacy accounts to be upgraded to Login.gov said a spokesman for the agency.
The Social Security Administration hopes the new approach will help it solve the long wait times for callers to its 800 number, which averaged about 24 minutes in the month of April, up from 42 minutes in November, according to the agency.
Goodbye to “My Social Security” Accounts?
“My Social Security” accounts are free to use and provide personalized tools. Regardless of whether benefits are received, the service allows users to make applications and manage benefits, as well as estimate future benefits and apply for replacement Social Security cards.
Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley touted the upgrade as “a safe and secure way for people to do transactions with your agency.” “We are excited about the transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public in all agencies.”
The agency prompted my Social Security account holders to log in, at which point they will be given the option to move to Login.gov, once your account is linked, a confirmation screen will appear and you will be able to have full access to your personal Social Security services and other tools.
The existing account holders of Login.gov or ID.me , they will not need to make a new account or take any other action, according to the agency. Update your mailing address, phone number, or email so the SSA can contact you about your benefits.
Log in to Your New Account
Keep your phone number, email and postal address updated in your account. Depending on your type of benefit, you may need to call us to complete any paperwork.
To receive email updates, log in to your account and select My Profile, at the top of the page, then choose Security and then “Update Email”.
What is LOGIN.GOV?
The system Login.gov it is an ultra-secure authentication platform created by the United States government that allows users to reliably access various online government services with a single account. Its main objective is to simplify access to federal services and increase the security of digital transactions.
Among the services it offers, login.gov it allows the users:
- Access benefits from programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
- Apply for financial aid and federal grants.
- Manage and file taxes through the IRS.
- Carry out procedures with the Social Security Administration.
- Apply for federal jobs and access job portals.
- Check the status of visas and other immigration services.
- In addition, login.gov it provides a secure user experience through two-factor authentication, protecting
- users’ personal information and preventing fraud and unauthorized access.