Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov

Why am I being asked to transition from a Social Security username to Login.gov?

Soon, you will no longer be able to sign in with your Social Security username. You will need an account with one of our credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me. This will simplify your sign-in experience and better align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to our online services.

How do I transition my existing Social Security username to Login.gov?

When you sign in with your Social Security username, you will be presented with an option to transition to Login.gov. If you choose to transition, you will be asked to create or sign in to your existing Login.gov account to complete the process. Watch our 3-minute video to see how to transition your personal my Social Security account.

What if I've forgotten my password for my Social Security account?

If you cannot remember or need to reset your Social Security password for your account, visit the sign-in page and select the “Sign in with Social Security Username”. From there, select “Forgot Password?” and complete the steps.

What will happen to my current Social Security username?

Once you have successfully linked your Login.gov account to your Social Security username, you will no longer use your Social Security username to sign in. Instead, you will use Login.gov.

If I already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, do I need to create a new one?

No. If you have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use your existing account to access Social Security services.

Can I have both a Login.gov and ID.me account?

You can have an account with both Login.gov and ID.me and access your personal my Social Security account with either one.

Can I still use my Social Security username?

You may continue to use your Social Security username if you decide not to transition now, but the username option will be removed in the future and you will be required to have an ID.me or Login.gov account to access Social Security services. We encourage you to make the transition now.

Do I need to do anything if I created my Social Security account on or after September 18, 2021?

No. You are all set. Accounts created on and after this date use Login.gov or ID.me.

What if I live outside the United States?

Customers living outside the United States can transition to a Login.gov account. We encourage you to review restrictions concerning international phone numbers on Login.gov's website before transitioning or creating an account. Customers can also choose to create an account with ID.me following the instructions on our Service Around the World webpage. Many online services can now be accessed overseas with an ID.me account.

What if I share an email address with another person, like my spouse?

Each person must set up their own Login.gov account with their own personal email address - not an email that you share with someone else.

Where can I get help?

  • Login.gov help center
  • ID.me support center
  • With Social Security username - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 if you are locked out of your my Social Security username/password account, if you have a security freeze/fraud alert on your credit report, or if you want to change your Multi-Factor Authentication method. Our 800# is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.

How are you notifying people about the change?

We sent emails to my Social Security account users telling them about the change. The email contains a link and details for making the transition .

If you are worried about scams, most emails from Social Security come from a “.gov" email address. If an email address does not end in “.gov”, you should use caution before opening attachments or clicking on pictures or links in the email. Links to www.ssa.gov - our official website - will always begin with https://www.ssa.gov/ or https://secure.ssa.gov/.

If you are not certain that an email you received came from us, DO NOT respond to the email or click any links in the email message. You can visit www.ssa.gov to access your account. Learn more about how we protect your personal information.