If you are retired or close to retirement, there is a new Social Security rule that you really need to know about. It is not complicated, but if you ignore it, you could stop receiving your monthly retirement checks. That is a big deal—especially if Social Security is your main source of income. Let me walk you through what changed, what you need to do, and why it matters to you.
What is the new requirement for social security recipients?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is moving everything over to a new online system called Login.gov. This is a government-wide platform that lets you access many federal services with just one account.
If you are used to using the My Social Security portal, that is going away. From now on, everything will run through Login.gov. The SSA says this change is meant to increase security and simplify access, but they are being very clear about one thing:
- This switch is not optional.
- If you do not make the move, your Social Security or SSI payments could be paused—or even stopped permanently.
How to create a login.gov account and avoid missing payments
Do not worry—signing up is actually simple. Just take a few minutes and follow these steps:
- Go to Login.gov.
- Click “Create an account.”
- Use the same email you used with your old My Social Security account.
- Follow the instructions to verify your identity.
- Once your account is set up, link it to your Social Security information.
That is it. Once you complete the process, your benefits will continue as usual. But if you skip this, your payments could stop—and that can be hard to recover from.
What happens if you do not switch in time?
The SSA is warning everyone: if you do not make the switch by the deadline (which they will announce through official channels), your checks may be held back.
Here is what is at risk:
- Delayed or frozen payments until your account is updated
- Possible permanent loss of benefits if you do not act for a long time
- Stressful recovery process to prove eligibility again
This is not just a glitch. It is a major system update, and ignoring it could affect your ability to pay for groceries, medicine, rent—everything.
Why this is a big deal for seniors
Right now, more than 1 in 7 retirees rely almost completely on Social Security to survive. A missed payment could mean skipping meals or falling behind on bills.
Many older Americans are not very comfortable with tech, and the SSA knows this. But they are still saying loud and clear: “The transition is not optional.”
If you are retired, or even just helping a loved one who is, take this seriously. Do not put it off. A few minutes now can save you from a lot of trouble later.
Continue reading:
Does Social Security send emails to the public?
Is Social Security income taxable to the IRS? Do I have to file a tax return in 2024?
