Update on How you Access Government Websites Online
A few days ago, I received a surprising email from Social Security, which I believe is the first email I’ve ever received from ssa.gov. In the email the Social Security administration announced it would be discontinuing access to ssa.gov through the legacy Username and Password system and transitioning to new Credential Service Providers (CSP) login.gov or ID.me. As someone who grew up with computers, I’m always apprehensive about phishing and other no-good emails, but after a little research I realized this email is completely legitimate.
If you previously logged into Social Security with a username and password, you will no longer be able to do so later this year and will only be able to access your ssa.gov login with one of the CSPs.
Also, remember that you can sign up for Medicare on ssa.gov. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits but not yet on Medicare, you’ll want to make sure to create your new credentials with one of the CSPs to be able to do so.
In preparation for this change for myself and for our clients, I took the time to replace my own ssa.gov username and password and created both a login.gov and id.me credential. Here is what you can expect and some differences between the two.
Login.gov:
Creating a login.gov username and password was incredibly easy. The reason it was so easy is if you log into ssa.gov with your old username and password the system will automatically prompt you to create new login.gov credentials. You will have the option during the process of creating your login.gov account to add Two-Factor Authentication, which is highly recommended. Two-Factor Authentication is when you add your cell phone number so if you, or anyone, login with your credentials they will not be able to access your account without entering a code you receive via text message. You also have the ability to add a Two-Factor Authentication through an authentication app. If you simply want to make sure you can access your ssa.gov account later this year, login.gov is the simplest way to do so. At this time, it appears the only governmental website you’ll be able to access with your new login.gov credentials is ssa.gov.
ID.me:
ID.me required more information and time to complete. The process includes uploading pictures of your driver’s license, a video of your face, and other personal information such as your Social Security number to create the account. The advantage of ID.me is it can be used to login to ssa.gov, IRS.gov, US Department of Veteran Affairs, Department of Health & Human Services, US Department of the Treasury, and several other government agencies. ID.me is a good choice if you frequently visit government websites, especially if you are a federal government employee or in the military. Also, ID.me is used for some government job websites as a means of submitting your resume, provides a Rx tool to find discounts on prescriptions, and even a way for government employees, nurses, military, and students to purchase popular items at a discount. Those items include things like cell phone plans, clothing & sunglasses, event tickets via StubHub, and much more. Again, I would highly recommend Two-Factor Authentication or using an Authentication app for extra security with your ID.me login.
In summary, come later this year you will not be able to access ssa.gov with a legacy username and password so you need to choose between the two CSPs. If you have previously created a login.gov or id.me account, then you are all set!
Mark Rosinski, CFP®, CPA
Wealth Advisor