The Social Security Administration is the latest government agency to transition to single sign-on solutions
If you created a my Social Security account at https://ssa.gov before September 18, 2021, you have to create a new login using Login.gov or ID.me. To make the transition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages account holders to sign in to their accounts as soon as possible.
For step-by-step instructions on how to make the transition, you can watch this video and review the Frequently Asked Questions for Transitioning Your Social Security Username to Login.gov.
This only applies to my Social Security users who created an account prior to September 18, 2021. Users who created a my Social Security account after this date already have a Login.gov or ID.me account and are not required to make any changes.
According to the SSA, the option to log in to my Social Security accounts using old usernames and passwords was to sunset in September 2024; however, the deadline has been temporarily extended while the SSA continues to notify affected users of the need to transition.
Benefits of Single Sign-On Solutions
This change is positive as there are many benefits to having a single sign-on option, including:
- Convenience and simplicity for consumers by having one username and password for many government (federal/state/county/local) and private sector websites.
- Stronger security and anti-fraud controls to keep information secure and protect against fraud and identity theft.
- Multiple methods of two-factor authentication and identity verification including biometrics, security keys, and authenticator apps.
Information about Login.gov and ID.me
Login.gov is a U.S. government-run single sign-on solution for the websites of participating U.S. government agencies like the SSA, the Department of Homeland Security’s Global Entry Program, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
ID.me is a single sign-on provider that also meets the U.S. government’s online identity proofing and authentication requirements. In addition to the SSA and VA, the Internal Revenue Service also uses ID.me, along with a dozen other federal agencies and hundreds of private sector websites.
Conclusion
It’s tough to keep up to date with technology and cybersecurity safety measures as our government constantly makes changes to policies, systems, and regulations. Stay informed of any changes that may affect your financial life by working with a financial advisor. If you need assistance with your financial planning or have questions about your Social Security situation in general or when to file, please reach out to our team.
Disclaimer: This is not to be considered investment, tax, or financial advice. Please review your personal situation with your tax and/or financial advisor. Milestone Financial Planning, LLC (Milestone) is a fee-only financial planning firm and registered investment advisor in Bedford, NH. Milestone works with clients on a long-term, ongoing basis. Our fees are based on the assets that we manage and may include an annual financial planning subscription fee. Clients receive financial planning, tax planning, retirement planning, and investment management services and have unlimited access to our advisors. We receive no commissions or referral fees. We put our client’s interests first. If you need assistance with your investments or financial planning, please reach out to one of our fee-only advisors. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Milestone and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure.
