The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued a critical warning to all current beneficiaries: those who fail to complete a mandatory account update may face account closures and payment suspensions. This sweeping change is part of a broader effort by the federal government to strengthen digital security and modernize access to public services.
The SSA emphasized that all users who created a My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, must now transition to Login.gov, a new federal authentication platform. The transition is not optional. Individuals who do not complete the process risk losing access to essential online services and having their monthly benefits halted until the issue is resolved.
Why the Social Security Is Requiring Login.gov for All Accounts
The switch to Login.gov is part of a federal initiative to enhance the security of online services, particularly those used by older adults and people with disabilities. The key goals of this shift include:
- Strengthening account protection against identity theft and cyberattacks.
- Reducing wait times for online services (currently averaging around 36 minutes).
- Unifying access to federal services through a single, secure login.
SSA officials warn that accounts not updated to Login.gov will be deactivated, and beneficiaries will no longer be able to:
- View or manage their monthly payments
- Request a replacement Social Security card
- Estimate future benefits
- Check the status of applications
- Update personal information
Most importantly, Social Security payments may be suspended until the account is brought into compliance.
Who Needs to Update Their Account
You are required to make the switch if:
- You created your My Social Security account before September 18, 2021
- You have not yet linked your account with Login.gov
- You received an official notification from the SSA about this change
To complete the update:
- Visit www.ssa.gov
- Select the option to sign in or link your account with Login.gov
- Create your new Login.gov credentials or connect your existing My Social Security account
- Verify your identity using the required documentation
- Wait for a confirmation email from a legitimate “.gov” domain
- Log in again to confirm that the process worked correctly
The SSA strongly advises users to watch for phishing attempts, ensuring all links start with “https://” and come from official government domains.
Final April Payment Coming Soon for Some Beneficiaries
In addition to the login transition, the SSA confirmed the final Social Security payment for April will be issued on April 23. This payment will go to retirees and beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of any month. As with previous cycles, this payment will follow the regular Wednesday distribution schedule.
Those eligible are encouraged to double-check their account access before the payment date to avoid any disruptions caused by the ongoing Login.gov migration.