The Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced a new mandatory requirement for beneficiaries of Social Securit and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, beginning in 2025.
The change will affect millions of Americans receiving these monthly payments, who must make sure they take action soon to avoid having their checks suspended.
The new policy is part of a broader effort to enhance digital security and improve user experience. The SSA now requires all users to shift from the My Social Security platform to Login.gov, a centralized federal login system. Failure to complete this transition could result in suspended benefits for individuals relying on this financial support.
New login requirement to keep receiving Social Security payments
Starting 2025, it will be mandatory for all Social Security benefits recipients to register on the Login.gov platform.
Login.gov is a service that offers secure and private online access to government programs, such as federal benefits, services and applications. By creating an account, users can sign into multiple government websites with the same email address and password. Login.gov uses two-factor authentication and stronger passwords that meet the National Institute of Standards of Technology requirements for secure validation and verification. Thus, the platform provides an extra layer of security, protecting your personal data against cyberattacks.
How to create a login.gov account
Creating a Login.gov is easy. You just need to follow these steps:
- Enter your email address at login.gov to begin. Make sure to choose and email address you’ll always be able to access. Once you create your account, you can add an additional email address.
- Click the Submit button
- Check your email for a message from Login.gov
- Click the Confirm your email address button in the message. This will take you back to the Login.gov website
- Create your Login.gov password. Your password must have at least 12 characters. To help prevent identity theft, consider choosing a strong password including numbers and special characters
- Set up a second layer of security. Login.gov requires you to set up an authentication method to keep your account secure, referred to as multi-factor authentication (MFA). Options include a security key, face or touch unlock, an authentication app, a text message, and a phone call.
- Once you have authenticated, you have created your Login.gov account. You will be taken to your account page or the government agency you are trying to access.
It is important to note that each person needs their own Login.gov account which they have set up using their own personal email address – not an email that you share with somebody else.
What are the advantages?
Login.gov enables members of the public to create a single digital account that provides access to their benefits and services at 50 federal and state agencies. This “one account for government” offers a number of advantages, including:
- Convenience. It allows users to access services from multiple government agencies from one single account.
- Efficiency. It saves users time and reduces complexity for agencies.
- Security. The platform uses strong security measures and ensures consistent security and anti-fraud practices across government.
What you need to do
Starting March 29, 2025, al beneficiaries of Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits must create a Login.gov account and migrate their information from the My Social Security platform, as well as verify and update all personal data on the new system. Later this year, the Sign in with Social Security username option will be removed, so it’s important users act right away.
As more government services shift online, the ability to securely access Social Security benefits will increasingly rely on systems like Login.gov. Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to complete the transition as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary disruptions to their monthly payments.
