Social Security announces big change for millions of recipients

The Social Security Administration is making a big change impacting how millions of people access their information.

Starting now, customers who created an online account known as My Social Security account before Sept. 18, 2021 will be required to transition to a Login.gov account to continue to access their online information and services. The agency said the change is needed to “changes to simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services,” and that more than 5 million existing account holders have already made the transition.

Account holders should sign in to their accounts now and when they log in, they will be presented an option to transition to Login.gov. Once the account is successfully linked, they will receive a confirmation notice on the screen and will have immediate access to their personal Social Security services and other information.

Existing Login.gov or ID.me account holders do not have to create a new account, the agency said.

My Social Security accounts are free and provide information to everyone, not just beneficiaries. People can use their accounts to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits or manage benefits they’ve already received.