The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued an alert notice to retirees, and in particular the Latino community, as well as other Social Security beneficiaries across the United States. The notice pertains to a required change to Login.gov, the new federal government secure login system. Those who fail to make this switch risk losing access to online accounts and suspension of Social Security benefits.
It’s a shift as part of a continuing national initiative to increase cyber protections across all federal government services. If those benefit recipients fail to act quickly enough, they risk having their My Social Security accounts disabled and being locked out of life-sustaining services and money to which they are entitled.
Why the transition to Login.gov
The SSA is moving toward Login.gov for increased security and convenient access to various federal services. The move is designed to prevent identity theft, simplify support, and achieve a consistent user experience across platforms. The SSA claims the upgrade adds to revamping the way millions of Americans receive important information and manage their benefits online.
For beneficiaries, especially the elderly and Hispanic populations that are highly dependent on Social Security, such technological transition to avoid interruptions in benefits from being available is paramount.
What happens if you don’t migrate?
If you created your My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, you must link it to Login.gov immediately. If you don’t, you will lose the ability to:
- Update your personal information
- View or manage your Social Security payments
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Estimate your future retirement benefits
- Check the status of claims or appeals
Worse yet, your benefits could be suspended indefinitely until you complete the upgrade.
Who needs to migrate?
The SSA says you must migrate to Login.gov if:
- You created your My Social Security account before September 18, 2021
- You have not yet linked your existing account to Login.gov
- You received an official SSA notice instructing you to make this change
This requirement applies to all affected users, regardless of age, background, or location.
Login.gov: Key benefits for users
The SSA outlines three primary advantages of switching to Login.gov:
- Enhanced security – Stronger protection against fraud, identity theft, and cyberattacks.
- Faster online support – Reduced wait times for help with online services, which can otherwise take up to 36 minutes.
- Unified access – One secure login for multiple federal websites, including SSA, Medicare, and IRS services.
Soft credit check, but no impact on your score
When creating or updating a My Social Security account, a soft inquiry is made on your credit report through an identity verification service. However, this does not affect your credit score in any way.
Act now to protect your payments
This migration is involuntary. Doing nothing may suspend your benefits until you do take action. This is especially critical for Hispanic recipients and other vulnerable populations that rely on these payments to get by day to day.
To avoid disruptions, visit Login.gov today and complete the migration process. Keep your benefits secure—and your payments coming.
