New Login Method Required for Social Security Benefits: What You Need to Know

Accessing Social Security Administration (SSA) services online is about to change for beneficiaries. The SSA recently announced that beneficiaries will need to use a new login method to access information about their benefits. Currently, the SSA’s “my Social Security” platform allows users to check their application status, manage benefits, estimate future benefits, and request a replacement social security card. However, users who created an account before September 18, 2021, will need to create a new account at Login.gov to continue accessing SSA services.

The transition to Login.gov aims to simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards. More than five million “my Social Security” account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov. This new login method allows users to access multiple government agencies through a single portal. Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley expressed excitement about the transition, emphasizing that it streamlines the process and enhances ease of use.

Login.gov is used by various agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management and the Small Business Administration. The platform claims to adhere to security standards set by organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, there have been concerns about the platform’s security. Last year, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) published a report stating that Login.gov failed to comply with NIST’s Digital Identity Guidelines. The report accused GSA of misleading language and charging customers for security standards that were not met.

Despite these concerns, the SSA is focused on enhancing its online services. Earlier this year, the agency launched the SecurityStat website, which tracks its progress in achieving customer service goals. The website provides transparency for stakeholders and customers, allowing them to monitor priorities like wait times for the national 800 number and processing times for benefit claims. The SSA aims to reduce the average wait time for calls to 12 minutes by the end of fiscal year 2025.

These online changes align with President Joe Biden’s executive order to transform federal customer experience and service delivery. In June, the SSA announced a reduction in the work history required for disability claim applicants, from 15 years to five years. This change aims to make the application process easier and more accurate. Additionally, the agency implemented a measure in March to ease overpayment burdens for social security disability program beneficiaries. Instead of withholding 100 percent of monthly benefits until the overpayment is recovered, the agency now only collects 10 percent (or $10, whichever is greater) of the total monthly benefit.

Overall, the SSA is actively working towards improving its online services and enhancing the user experience. The transition to Login.gov aims to streamline access to multiple government agencies, but concerns about security standards have been raised. The agency’s SecurityStat website provides transparency and progress updates for customer service goals. With these changes, the SSA is taking steps to meet President Biden’s call for transforming federal customer experience and service delivery.