50+ Lifestyles

YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY | Rock Island, Illinois Office

By Cristina Vital
Social Security Manager
Rock Island Social Security Office

ACCESSING YOUR PERSONAL MY SOCIAL SECURITY ACCOUNT

For over 10 years, my Social Security has helped many people access our programs and services online. Soon, we will change the way you sign in to all our online services ─ including my Social Security. You will no longer be able to sign in to your personal my Social Security account using your username and password. Instead, you’ll need to use one of our credential service providers, Login.gov or ID.me. If you already have a Login.gov or ID.me account, and can sign in to our online services, please continue using that account.

If you only have a Social Security username, our screens will guide you through the process to transition your account to Login.gov. Login.gov provides enhanced online security, helps protect you from identity theft, and allows you to create an account that can be used across other agencies. It will only take a few minutes to create a new Login.gov account.

How to transition your Social Security username account to Login.gov

To transition your account, please go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount and select ‘Sign In’. On the next page, select ‘Sign in with Social Security Username’. After you successfully sign in with your Social Security username and password you will receive a prompt to create an account with Login.gov. You will then be taken to the Login.gov website.

Once you successfully link your Social Security username with your new Login.gov account, you will see a confirmation screen. You can start using your new Login.gov account to access our online services immediately. You will no longer be able to sign in with your personal my Social Security account using your Social Security username. Login.gov has 24/7 customer support through phone and chat at www.login.gov/help to help you set up an account, if needed.

If you’re not receiving benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get estimates for future benefits.
• Get your Social Security Statement instantly.
• Get proof that you do not receive benefits.
• Check your application status.

If you’re receiving benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

• Request a replacement Social Security card.
• Get an instant benefit verification letter.
• Start or change your direct deposit. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
• Change your address. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S instantly for tax season.
• Opt out of mailed notices for those available online.

For more information, please read our publication my Social Security: How to Create an Online Account at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10540.pdf. Please share this information with your loved ones.

UNDERSTANDING THE NEED FOR A REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE

You may know someone who gets a monthly Social Security benefit or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment and who also needs help managing their money. We can appoint a person or an organization to act as a “representative payee” responsible for receiving and managing a person’s Social Security benefits or SSI payments.

When we assign a representative payee, we select someone who knows the beneficiary’s needs and can make decisions about how to best use their benefits for their care and well-being. An application is required, and an in-person interview may be needed. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.

Most representative payees are responsible for completing an annual form to account for the benefit payments they receive and manage. They must complete this form and return it to Social Security by mail or, if they have a personal my Social Security account, they can file it online using the Representative Payee portal. Account holders can also get a benefit verification letter and manage direct deposit and wage reporting for their beneficiaries. Learn more about the portal at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/rep-payee.

You also have the option to identify up to 3 people to serve as your future representative payee and help manage your benefits, if the need arises. We call this Advance Designation. We offer Advance Designation to capable adults and emancipated minors who are applying for or already receiving Social Security benefits, SSI, or Special Veterans Benefits. With Advance Designation, you and your family can enjoy peace of mind knowing someone you trust may be appointed to manage your benefits. Find more information about:

• Advance Designation at www.ssa.gov/payee/advance_designation
• Representative Payees at www.ssa.gov/payee
• Publications about representative payees at www.ssa.gov/payee/newpubs

If you know someone who needs help managing their monthly benefits, please consider becoming a representative payee. You can also help by sharing this information with friends and family.