Social Security Login Changes Are Coming – Are You Ready?
Have you created a Login.gov account to access your Social Security information yet? The Social Security Administration is changing the way everyone accesses Social Security information online.
Login.gov is a website run by the federal government to authenticate the identity of online account holders. It has been established to simplify online access and provide more secure access to online services. Users who aren’t using it (or another government-approved authenticator, such as ID.me) will be required to begin using it later this year. All SSA users who created an account with Social Security prior to 9/18/2021, using a username instead of an email address, will be transitioned over to the new Login.gov platform.
Consider setting up an account now with ID.me or Login.gov because your current SSA account will be retired. Users without a Login.gov account can easily switch their account when logging into my Social Security. After logging into the Social Security website with your current username and password, you will have the option to transfer to the Login.gov system. This will require a second authentication method to ensure your privacy and security. Once your account is linked, you will receive a confirmation message and can begin using your new Login.gov credentials for all future access to the Social Security website. Note: If you have already set up a Login.gov account, no action is needed.
Do I need a My Social Security account if am not yet eligible for Social Security benefits?
Yes, it is strongly recommended whether you’re eligible for benefits or decades away from retirement. My Social Security accounts are free, secure and can help you estimate your benefits, track your earnings history, or request a replacement Social Security card. Once you have an account set up, you can choose to receive available notices online instead of by mail, and get alerts by email or text when you have a notice available. Getting available notices online means not waiting for it to arrive in the mail or the notice getting lost, misplaced, or stolen.
Opening a My Social Security account now can also help prevent fraud and identity theft. If a criminal obtains your SSN, he/she can try to open a My Social Security account in your name and redirect your benefits to an account they control. By opening your My Social Security account now, you can help prevent this scenario from happening. Each individual can only have one my Social Security account open per Social Security number.
What can I do with a My Social Security Account?
You will be able to do the following online tasks:
· Change your address (US citizen only)
· Check your earnings and get your benefit estimates – recommended annually
· Access online notices
· Request a replacement Medicare Card
· Check the status of your application or appeal
· View, print, or save a benefit verification letter
· View, print, or save replacement SSA-1099/1042S tax statement
If you are currently receiving SS benefits, you may: ·
Set up or change direct deposit
· Get a Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) form
Print a benefit verification letter
Change your address
· Request a replacement Social Security card
If you are not yet receiving SS benefits:
· Check your application status
· Request a replacement Social Security card
· Get your Social Security Statement
· Get personalized retirement benefit estimates
· Get estimates for spouse’s benefits
· Get proof that you do not receive benefits
What if I live overseas? Social Security’s Office of Earnings & International Operations (OEIO) is set up to assist beneficiaries who live outside the United States or plan to leave the country. There are American embassies and consulates who can assist you in seeking Social Security services, but there are no Social Security offices outside the U.S. In the past, SS beneficiaries needed a U.S. mailing address to access Social Security's My Social Security account and use the online services. Now you can create your personal account without a U.S. mailing address and use the online services with an ID.me credential. If you don't already have an ID.me credential, or if you had a My Social Security account prior to moving overseas, you will need to create an ID.me credential to use it from an international address.
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Best regards,
Janet Rhodes Friedman, CFP®, CDFA®, MBA
Janet@PlanWithFPS.com
617-630-4978
Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) is a Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Planning Solutions, LLC (FPS) provides this blog for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing in this blog should be considered investment, tax, or legal advice. FPS only renders personalized advice to each client. Information herein includes opinions and source information that is believed to be reliable. However, such information may not be independently verified by FPS. Please see important disclosures link at the bottom of this page.