Establish your Login.gov andID.me credentials before a hacker does!
By John H. Robinson, Founder/Financial Planner (October 2024)
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out significant changes to how millions of Americans access their online Social Security accounts. This transition, aimed at enhancing security and streamlining the user experience, will affect approximately 46 million users who created their accounts before September 18, 2021[1][3].
Key Changes
The SSA is phasing out the old username and password login method for My Social Security accounts created before September 18, 2021. Users will need to transition to one of two new login options:
1. Login.gov: A secure sign-in service administered by the federal government[1].
2. ID.me: A private identity verification service currently used by the IRS and other government agencies [1].
These changes are part of the SSA’s efforts to simplify the sign-in experience, align with federal authentication standards, and maintain secure access to online services[1].
Timeline and Implementation
The transition process began in June 2024 with the SSA gradually notifying users of the impending change[1]. While no hard deadline has been set, the old login method is expected to be phased out “later this year”[1][4].
Users can still access their accounts using their existing Social Security username and password for now. However, the SSA strongly encourages users to transition to the new login methods to ensure uninterrupted access to their online services[4].
How to Transition Your Account
To transition your account, follow these steps:
1. Log in to your existing My Social Security account using your current username and password.
2. Look for the option to transition your account (Note: This option may not be immediately visible to all users as the rollout is gradual).
3. Follow the prompts to create a new Login.gov account or link your existing one.
4. Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation and can access your information as usual[3].
For a visual guide, the SSA has provided a step-by-step video tutorial to assist users with the transition process[4].
VIDEO – HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR MY SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT
PROS & CONS – JR’s Two Cents
Here are the main benefits using Login.gov and ID.me as single sign-on services that are being touted by Uncle Sam
1. Unified Access – Users can use the same login credentials across multiple government websites and services[3].
2. Enhanced Security: The new system adheres to the latest federal authentication standards[1].
3. Streamlined Experience: The transition aims to simplify the login process for users[2].
Call me jaded, but I am from the “I am from the government, and I’m here to help.” camp. In a surprise to no one, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) noted that users had a 30-40% failure rate during the account creation period and reported that multi-factor authentication options could be confusing to some users. While I was successful in getting my login.gov account established there were a number of steps that created opportunities for the process to go sideways. This included a step in which I was told that an activation code would be sent to me via regular mail in 8-12 weeks!… It arrived in two weeks, but,still, what an awkward and unconventional process.
With respect to unified access, the Login.gov ID does not appear to work for Treasury Direct. So far, it appears to only provide unified access to the Office of Personnel Management, Social Security Administration, and Department of Veterans Affairs. That’s a pretty limited menu. The IRS requires ID.me for login access. IRS is in the process of also allowing access through login.gov but appears to have encountered some obstacles along the approval path.
As for enhanced security, given that our social security numbers, birth dates, and other personal identifying data are already for sale on the dark web, I cannot help but wonder what might happen if some nefarious person establishes a Login.gov or id.me account in your name before you do? A brief survey of Reddit forums finds that this is already a major problem – and one for which there are no easy solutions. Making matters worse, scammers are now spoofing Login.gov.
With that ugly thought in mind, my unqualified/layman’s advice is to establish both your real login.gov and ID.me credentials as soon as possible in order to gain control over these important access points before an identity thief does. For the record, I have established my loging.gov credentials and have used it to successfully log into my SSA account. I have also established my ID.me credentials and have successfully logged into my IRS account.
Other issues about the transition to Login.gov and ID.me that are commonly cited include:
1. Shared Email Addresses: Couples sharing an email address may encounter difficulties, as Login.gov requires unique email addresses for each account[4].
2. Digital Literacy: Some users, particularly older adults, may find the transition process challenging and may require assistance.
3. Identity Verification: The new system may require additional steps for identity verification, which could be a hurdle for some users.
RELATED READING
How We Protect Your Information (SSA.gov)
ID.me (Wikipedia)
They’re Your IRS Records. Getting Them Means Giving Up Your Privacy (WSJ)
Login.gov Builds Shared Identity Management System for Government Agencies (WSJ)
Sessions: Login.gov Lied to Customers, Continued to Charge for Non-Existent Services (oversight.house.gov)
https://www.nextgov.com/digital-government/2023/11/login-dot-gov-fraudulent-says-house-republican-gunning-defund-18f/392052/ (Nextgov.com)
John H. Robinson is the owner/founder of Financial Planning Hawaii and Fee-Only Planning Hawaii. He is also a co-founder of fintech software maker Nest Egg Guru and the new personal finance website NestEggPF.com.
Citations:
[1] https://www.aarp.org/retirement/social-security/info-2024/ssa-sign-in-change.html [2] https://investorplace.com/2024/07/social-security-changes-2024-what-to-know-about-new-log-in-requirements/ [3] https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/required-to-move-your-social-security-account-sign-in-to-login-gov-heres-how/ [4] https://blog.ssa.gov/how-to-transition-your-social-security-account-to-login-gov/ [5] https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html [6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMADyonYNTE [7] https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/assets/materials/EN-05-10378.pdf [8] https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10540.pdf