Hey, Iowa: Are You Aware of This Big Change to Social Security?

For millions of senior citizens, Social Security is a necessary lifeline in their glory years. It provides them with a basic income they can use to buy gas, groceries, medication, or whatever else they might need. There's a reason Social Security is always a topic in every election cycle, and the debate of whether or not funds will ever run out is a recurring focal point.

Which is why a new press release from Social Security should be noted by Iowans and everyone who depends on the monthly stipend. The Social Security Administration has announced a major change in the realm of online access to one's account and other important financial information.

Social Security customers who created an online account (such as a "My Social Security" account) prior to September 18th, 2021 will be required to transition to a Login.gov account to continue to access their online services, per a press release from the administration. To date, over five million account holders have already transitioned to Login.gov.

Login.gov's purpose is to make it easy for individuals to access government websites with only one account. The Social Security Administration has made this change in order to simplify and singularize the sign-in experience for users. In addition, this is in alignment with federal authentication standards to assure those who are accessing important and confidential information are doing so in a secure fashion.

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Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley spoke about the transition in the aforementioned press release:

My Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us. We’re excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies. - Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley, per the administration's press release.

Those who have existing Login.gov or ID.me accounts do NOT need to create a new account nor take any action.

Those who access their Social Security benefits online are encouraged to make the switch as soon as possible. When a user logins in, they'll be presented with an option to transition over to Login.gov. Once their account is successfully linked, they'll be greeted with a confirmation screen.

People can use their accounts to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits they already receive, per the administration's press release.

To set up your account, visit Social Security's website. To learn more about this change, read Social Security's full press release here.