The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently making improvements to its online services and urging users to ensure their accounts remain accessible. If you are a user that created your “my Social Security” account prior to September 18, 2021, you will need to switch to a Login.gov account to continue using the SSA’s online services. This shift is part of the agency’s effort to streamline access for its users and improve the overall experience.
The “my Social Security” online portal offers a variety of services to both current beneficiaries and individuals who are not yet receiving benefits. Through this portal, users can perform several important tasks, such as requesting a replacement Social Security card, checking the status of applications, managing current benefits, and estimating future retirement or disability payments. By moving these tasks online, the SSA aims to save time for both beneficiaries and the agency itself, particularly as they deal with long wait times for phone-based support. For example, the average wait time for the national 800 number was around 36 minutes during the second quarter of this year, a significant delay for users needing assistance. The SSA has set a goal to reduce this wait time to an average of 12 minutes by the end of September 2025.
Keep your Social Security account updated
If you have a “my Social Security” account, the agency recommends logging in to make sure everything is up to date. When you sign in, those who still need to make the switch will be prompted to transition to a Login.gov account. Once this transition is successfully completed, you’ll receive a confirmation that your accounts are linked, granting continued access to all Social Security services. Users who already have a Login.gov or ID.me account do not need to take any further steps, as these accounts are already compatible with the new system.
It is essential to ensure the legitimacy of any website or email associated with the SSA. Any communication from Social Security will come from a “.gov” address, and links to official websites will always start with “https://” and end with “.gov/”. A legitimate example is the official Social Security account page at “https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.” Scammers may attempt to create fake websites that look like official SSA pages to steal personal information, so it’s critical to be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar links or emails.
If you come across a suspicious email or web link, avoid responding or clicking on it. Instead, you can report these fraudulent attempts directly to the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. They have a designated website for reporting these issues, or you can call their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 to notify them of potential scams.
By transitioning its online accounts to Login.gov, the SSA hopes to make access to its services more secure and efficient. These updates come at a time when the agency is working to improve overall service delivery, particularly as it faces budgetary challenges that have negatively affected speedy customer interactions and other public-facing services like form processing. The agency’s focus on streamlining its online platform is part of a broader strategy to enhance its responsiveness to user needs and reduce the burden on its customer service representatives.
Staying vigilant against fraud is also a key component of these changes. As the SSA improves its online system, scammers are likely to take advantage of the transition period to try to deceive users. Recognizing the telltale signs of legitimate SSA communications can protect you from potential fraud attempts. By following these best practices and ensuring your account is properly linked to Login.gov, you can continue to access your Social Security information with confidence.
Source: Changes to Retiree Social Security Accounts – The date has passed, and here's how it
