The Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States has issued an urgent warning for all its current beneficiaries. Anyone who created their My Social Security account before September 18, 2021, must now update it through Login.gov.
This update is mandatory. If not completed on time, it could result in account deactivation and even stopped monthly payments.
This is part of a larger effort by the federal government to boost digital security and modernize access to public services. The SSA is now requiring everyone to make this move to protect against fraud and cyberattacks, especially for older citizens and those with disabilities.
Why Login.gov Is Now Required
The main reason behind this change is to improve the security of personal information. The government wants to make it easier and safer for people to access their federal benefits online. Here’s what this shift aims to achieve:
- Better protection from identity theft and hacking
- Faster access to online SSA services (current average wait time is 36 minutes)
- A single sign-in for different federal services
The SSA has made it clear—if accounts are not updated to Login.gov, they will be shut down. This means people won’t be able to:
- Check or manage monthly payments
- Request a new Social Security card
- Estimate future retirement or disability benefits
- Track the status of their applications
- Update any personal info online
Most importantly, Social Security payments might be paused until the account is updated.
Who Must Update Their SSA Account?
You need to take action if any of these apply to you:
- You created your My Social Security account before September 18, 2021
- You haven’t yet switched to using Login.gov
- You received a notice from the SSA about this required change
If yes, you must update your account to avoid losing access.
How to Update Your SSA Account with Login.gov
Here’s how to update your My Social Security account:
- Go to www.ssa.gov
- Click on the sign-in option and choose Login.gov
- Create your new Login.gov account or link your current one
- Verify your identity with official documents
- Look for a confirmation email from a “.gov” email address
- Log in again to ensure your account is properly linked
Also, be very careful of fake emails and phishing links. Only trust websites that begin with “https://” and are from official “.gov” domains.
Final April 2025 Social Security Payment: April 23
Apart from the account update, the SSA has also confirmed the final Social Security payment for April 2025. It will be made on Wednesday, April 23, for people who were born between the 21st and 31st of any month.
This payment will follow the SSA’s usual Wednesday schedule. If you’re expecting this payment, make sure your Login.gov update is complete. Otherwise, you could face delays.