The Social Security Administration (SSA) has rolled out a crucial update that affects millions of Americans who rely on Social Security benefits. If you created your My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, there’s a mandatory change you must complete before March 29, 2025: transitioning your login to Login.gov or ID.me. This change is essential to maintain access to your account online.
While your actual Social Security payments will not stop immediately, your access to manage benefits, request documents, or update personal details will be halted if this step isn’t completed. That’s why this update is not just important—it’s urgent.
In today’s digital age, keeping your personal information safe while maintaining access to essential government services is more important than ever. The SSA’s transition to Login.gov and ID.me is a necessary move toward more secure, user-friendly online services. If your account was created before September 18, 2021, completing this transition is not just recommended—it’s required. You won’t lose your payments, but you will lose convenience and control over how you manage them. So don’t wait—act now and update your login to avoid future disruptions and ensure continued access to vital Social Security tools.
The SSA has issued a critical warning to all current beneficiaries: those who fail to complete the mandatory account update may face account closures and payment suspensions. This sweeping change is part of a broader effort by the federal government to strengthen digital security and modernize access to public services.
The SSA emphasized that all users who created a My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, must now transition to Login.gov, a new federal authentication platform. The transition is not optional. Individuals who do not complete the process risk losing access to essential online services and having their monthly benefits halted until the issue is resolved.
Why is the SSA requiring Login.gov for all accounts? The switch to Login.gov is part of a federal initiative to enhance the security of online services, particularly those used by older adults and people with disabilities. The key goals of this shift include strengthening account protection against identity theft and cyberattacks, reducing wait times for online services (currently averaging around 36 minutes), and unifying access to federal services through a single, secure login.
SSA officials warn that accounts not updated to Login.gov will be deactivated, and beneficiaries will no longer be able to: view or manage their monthly payments, request a replacement Social Security card, estimate future benefits, check the status of applications, or update personal information. Most importantly, Social Security payments may be suspended until the account is brought into compliance.
So, who needs to update their account—and how can they do it? You are required to make the switch if you created your My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, have not yet linked your account with Login.gov, or received an official notification from the SSA about this change. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to transition:
Step 1: Visit Login.gov. Go to Login.gov and click on “Create an account.” Enter your email address and confirm it, set a strong password, and choose a secure two-factor authentication method (phone number, authentication app, security key).
Step 2: Go to SSA.gov and log in using Login.gov. Once your Login.gov account is ready, head to SSA.gov, click on “Sign In,” select the Login.gov option, and log in using your new credentials. You’ll be prompted to link your Login.gov account to your existing SSA profile.
Step 3: Verify your identity. You may need to confirm your identity by answering security questions or uploading a government-issued ID. Follow the on-screen prompts carefully. If you have trouble with verification, you can opt to use ID.me, which offers additional identity verification methods including live video calls.
Step 4: Confirm and test your access. After linking is complete, test your access by viewing your benefit statements, checking your earnings history, and updating your personal info. That’s it—you’re now fully transitioned and secured.
What happens if you don’t complete the transition? Let’s clarify a common misconception: your benefits will not stop immediately. However, if you don’t complete the transition by March 29, 2025, here’s what will happen: online access will be revoked, meaning you won’t be able to sign into your account or use online tools. Manual processing may delay services; you’ll have to call SSA or visit an office for updates, which could mean longer wait times. There’s also potential disruption to self-service features, including benefit verifications, address changes, and Medicare updates. While the SSA won’t cut off your payments for this reason, not having access to your account could create administrative problems down the line.
To ensure a smooth transition, the SSA offers additional tips: update your email and phone before starting the transition, use a unique password, and beware of scams. The SSA will never call, text, or email asking for your Login.gov credentials. If someone contacts you claiming to be from SSA and asks for sensitive info, hang up or report it.
In addition to the login transition, the SSA confirmed the final Social Security payment for April will be issued on April 23, 2025, to retirees and beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month. As with previous cycles, this payment will follow the regular Wednesday distribution schedule. Those eligible are encouraged to double-check their account access before the payment date to avoid any disruptions caused by the ongoing Login.gov migration.
In summary, the shift to Login.gov is not just a minor update; it’s a critical step in securing your Social Security benefits and ensuring continued access to essential services. Don’t delay—make the transition today to avoid complications in the future.
