The Social Security Administration (SSA) is currently improving its online services and encouraging users to keep their accounts accessible. If you created your “my Social Security” account before September 18, 2021, you will need to switch to a Login.gov account to continue accessing the SSA’s online services. This change is part of the agency’s efforts to simplify access for its users and improve the overall experience.
The “my Social Security” online portal provides a variety of services to both current beneficiaries and those who do not yet receive benefits. This portal allows users to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of applications, manage current benefits, and estimate future retirement or disability payments.
By moving these tasks online, the SSA hopes to save time for both beneficiaries and the agency itself, especially given the long wait times for phone-based support.
For example, during the second quarter of this year, the average wait time for the national 800 number was around 36 minutes, representing a significant delay for users in need of assistance. The SSA aims 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 suggests logging in to ensure that everything is up to date. Those who have not yet switched to a Login.gov account will be prompted to do so when they sign in.
Once this transition is completed successfully, you will receive confirmation that your accounts have been linked, allowing you to continue using all Social Security services. Users with existing Login.gov or ID.me accounts do not need to take any additional steps because these accounts are already compatible with the new system.
It is critical to verify the authenticity of any website or email associated with the SSA. Any communication from Social Security will be sent from a “.gov” address, and all links to official websites will begin with “https://” and end with “.gov/”.
One legitimate example is the official Social Security account page at “https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.” Scammers may attempt to steal personal information by creating fake websites that appear to be official SSA pages, so be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar links or emails.
If you come across a suspicious email or website link, do not respond or click on it. Instead, you can report these fraudulent attempts to the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General. They have a dedicated website for reporting these issues, or you can contact their fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 to alert them to potential scams.
The SSA hopes that by transitioning its online accounts to Login.gov, it will improve the security and efficiency of accessing its services. These updates come at a time when the agency is working to improve overall service delivery, especially given budgetary constraints that have hampered speedy customer interactions and other public-facing services such as form processing.
The agency’s efforts to streamline its online platform are part of a larger strategy to improve its responsiveness to user needs and reduce the burden on its customer service agents.
Staying vigilant against fraud is also an important part of these changes. As the Social Security Administration improves its online system, scammers are likely to take advantage of the transition period to defraud users.
Recognising the telltale signs of legitimate SSA communications can help you avoid potential fraud attempts. By adhering to these best practices and ensuring that your account is properly linked to Login.gov, you can continue to access your Social Security information securely.
