Social Security Administration asks people to move to Login.gov online system

How you access your Social Security information is changing, and the Social Security Administration is asking that customers who created accounts before Sept. 18, 2021, transition to the new, more-secure online system as soon as possible.

Officials said more than 5 million users have already made the transition to the new service, Login.gov.

The official SSA web page, ssa.gov, advises users: "A free and secure my Social Security account provides personal tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive."

In a statement Friday, SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley said the new system provides "safe and secure" access for customers to access their accounts and monitor and track information — and that it also provides greater access to online services while "streamlining the process" and improving ease of use and navigation "for the public across agencies."

The SSA notes that existing Login.gov and ID.me account holders do not need to create a new account — or take additional action.

The account allows users to get personalized retirement benefit estimates based on retirement age, get estimates for spouse benefits, get proof that you do not receive benefits, check an application status and get a Social Security statement for those not receiving benefits.

Certified financial planner Susan Quigley, who owns Squigley Financial in Garden City, said having "real numbers" from the SSA helps workers better plan for their retirement. Through the website, she said workers can "figure out how much you can expect in Social Security so that you can develop your other investments to fill the gap between what you need for retirement versus what you’re going to get from Social Security.”

Quigley recommends all working-age Americans log in to review their information annually, not just those eyeing retirement on the horizon. Even youngsters earning pocket money at a summer job could already be racking up the work credits they need to qualify for benefits, but only if properly reported, she said.

"God forbid you get disabled early on in life, you will still have some benefits," Quigley said. "It’s important to make sure that every year that you work, that employment income was registered correctly."

In the event someone logging in to their SSA account believes their income was incorrectly reported, Quigley said they can "call up Social Security and they reach out to the employer."

For those already receiving benefits, an SSA account allows you to "set up or change" direct deposit information, get an SSA-1099 form, opt out of mailed notices for those available online and to do things like print a benefit verification letter or change your address.

The SSA said the new, "reimagined website" is one that "prioritizes customer experience."  But it also meets a higher federal login standard at a time when the SSA warns of the public being victimized and scammed by "fake calls, texts, emails, websites, messages on social media" — and even falsified letters in the mail.

The SSA even warns of so-called "impostor scams," where scammers pretend to be "agents" seeking cash.

On its website, the SSA said it will never: threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don't agree to pay money immediately; suspend your Social Security number; claim to need personal information or payment to activate a cost-of-living adjustment or other benefit increase; pressure you to immediate action, such as sharing private personal information; ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debt cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or cash; threaten to seize your bank account or other financial accounts; offer to move your money to a "protected" bank account; demand secrecy; or, direct message you via social media.

"Be skeptical and look for red flags," the agency warned. "If you receive a suspicious call, text message, email, letter, or message on social media, the caller or sender may not be who they say they are."

And the SSA said, beware of would-be scammers "spoofing" official government numbers or those of your local police agency — and, of "official-looking" documents or attachments.