Social Security question. Apparently I cannot access my SS account using username & password.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

Apparently I need to create a new account using Login.gov or ID.me account. Apparently, with my phone, I will need to take a front and back picture of my driver's license and my face and submit it. Along with submitting other info. OR I can go to the post office for identity verification.

Question. Does this sound about right? If I do not create a new account will I continue to get SS payments? I have a "New Message" in my e-mail inbox but cannot access it without creating a new SS account.

There are some boxes to check that I authorize the sharing of my info w/others. Is that safe?

Anyway, any help/info would help. Thanks.

Edit to add: Are there any trustworthy tutorials to help me through this process. Thanks again.

[lapucelle]

1. I helped my aunt through this change a few months ago.

There's lot's of information here:

Learn about changes we’re making to your personal my Social Security account

Can I still use my Social Security username to sign in?

No. Effective June 7, 2025, Login.gov and ID.me are now the only sign in options to access Social Security online services. We have removed the option to sign in using a Social Security username and password.

You will be required to create an account with ID.me or Login.gov to access our online services. If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, you can use your existing account to access our online services.

https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/account-transition-faqs.html

[AnotherMother4Peace]

4. Thank you so much for this info. I hope to get it done today. Did you go to the post office or on-line. Thanks.

[nilram]

10. I did it online, and my partner used the post office.

The post office was surprisingly quick. We gave the info to the teller, they look it up, they looked at my partner's ID, and we were on our way. No suspicion, no intrusive questions. Would be helpful to have a printer, but I think you can do it if you take the info via a picture on your phone.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

12. Good Deal. I just might use the post office since it is open today, & it's nearby. Thanks.

[Abnredleg]

2. Its safe

It’s part of the SSA’s effort to cut down on fraud and identity theft - I did mine a couple of years ago.

Here’s a video.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

5. Yes - that's maybe what I'm looking for: a how-to video. Thanks.

[GCG]

3. It's safe

I did it last week. It was annoying and took a little!

[AnotherMother4Peace]

6. Thank you AND Welcome to DU!

[markodochartaigh]

7. It was about four years ago when I did this.

If I remember correctly for the facial pics and license pics I had to go outside to get bright enough light. There was a green light and then a red light when I took the pics.

I think that I did both Login.gov and ID.me. The instructions on the website of each were clear. The only problem was getting enough light for clear pics.
I also got a letter last week about a new message but I haven't logged in to read it yet.

Here is the official instructional video for Login.gov:

And the IDme video:

?si=tDFuPruxk-FYkbNC

[AnotherMother4Peace]

8. That makes me feel better that others got a message last week from SSI - I thought it was just me & bad news.

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

9. I'm self kicking & recommending in hopes to find out: If I DO NOT create a new account will I continue to receive SS?

I'm not real computer savvy and don't do well with change BUT I kinda need my SS payments. Thanks.

[nilram]

11. This has been "required" long enough that we would have really heard about it

if people weren't receiving their Social Security. Disclaimer, though, I'm not currently receiving it.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

13. Yes, that makes sense. It is new to me as I try to retrieve a message that's in my SSI account. I haven't really

had to switch over before. I appreciate your info.

[vademocrat]

14. Yes, you will continue to receive SS payments

You just won’t be able to conduct any SS business online without the new account.
The message is probably your 2026 benefit letter.
I also received an email earlier this week about a message and when I checked today, it was my new benefit letter.

I have elected to receive all communications from SSA online so I won’t receive a physical letter..

[AnotherMother4Peace]

15. Ohhh - I love my DU community. Thank you for this information. nt

[iemanja]

16. I did all that to access mine.

I don’t know about checking authorization of sharing boxes. I don’t recall that. Perhaps leave them unchecked?

[AnotherMother4Peace]

17. Actually, I don't think it was a option. I think it was part of the terms. That's what made me hesitate.

It sounds like I don't have to hurry, so I can revisit the process this week with a lot more clarity. Thank you.