What is going on with logging in to Social Security? The process is ridiculous.

[Boomer]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

[HappyTraveler]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer
Did you try the green button that says - ID.me? I believe that's how I signed in the other day.

But, I know what you mean about the blue button - Login.gov. I tried to sign-in to my IRS acct a few days ago and had never complete that process you described because it irked me too. Why should I have to get my phone involved with my account? Taking photos of Dr Lic and of myself to upload -- WTH?

Go back on the site and click this link - Sign in Help and Support - below the login buttons to see that provides some info..

P.S. Also a big Dorothy Parker fan.

[Rainger99]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

It is a nightmare trying to log in! It is about a four factor authentication!

In order to sign in, my wife had to take a picture of her driver’s license (both sides) and then take a selfie. It kept telling us that the photos did not match!!!

I remember when I first created the account the password had to be about 16 digits!

I would suggest calling them first thing in the morning. You may be on hold but they give you the option of having them call you back. I tried that about a month ago and it works. It was about an hour wait but I didn’t have to listen to that terrible music for an hour.

[Caymus]

I have no problem logging in with my id.me account. I also use that on the IRS site to pay estimated taxes.

Don't worry about your picture. The government already has that from driver licenses and passports. They even have my retinal scan and fingerprints from my Global Entry Card.:rant-rave:

[asianthree]

Over 7 months we received warnings about the change of logins for SS, and other government sites. Not a big deal you have 3 options to use.

[Bill14564]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

This extra work to access an account is an attempt to be sure who it is that is typing at the other end of the keyboard.

- Providing a SS number will identify an account and a name
- A picture of a Govt ID will associate a face to the name
- A picture of the back side of the Govt ID is an extra attempt to defeat fake IDs
- A picture of you will associate a face to the person typing at a keyboard
- If the face in the picture matches the face on the ID then there is some confidence of who is actually typing
- If they ask for you to hold the Govt ID in your picture then they are trying to prevent someone who is not you from simply gathering pictures for the process

All of that is to prove that the person behind the keyboard is truly the person who owns the SS number that is being accessed. It's a pain in the butt to create but it's a pretty secure way to ensure the proper person is accessing the account.

This time you only wanted to get your statement but next time you might be trying to change the bank account the payments are going into. As the owner of my account, I am thankful that there is this level of security making sure that any changes are authorized.

[biker1]

Global Entry uses facial recognition, not retinal scans.

I have no problem logging in with my id.me account. I also use that on the IRS site to pay estimated taxes.

Don't worry about your picture. The government already has that from driver licenses and passports. They even have my retinal scan and fingerprints from my Global Entry Card.:rant-rave:

[JohnN]

We're from the government and we're here to help you.

[biker1]

login.gov uses two-factor authentication. It takes no longer than any other login that uses 2FA.

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

[Caymus]

Global Entry uses facial recognition, not retinal scans.

Did the system change? It was some sort of eye scan. I had to remove my contact lenses for the scan.

[Kenswing]

I had to go through the same thing years ago since I held government contracts. When SSA went to the same system it was a little easier to adjust.

[biker1]

Probably an iris scan, not a retinal scan, for the NEXUS system. Every time I go through Global Entry they are doing facial recognition.

Did the system change? It was some sort of eye scan. I had to remove my contact lenses for the scan.

[kingofbeer]

Did the system change? It was some sort of eye scan. I had to remove my contact lenses for the scan.
I use ID.ME. If you have problems, call SSA up for help.

[Bill14564]

login.gov uses two-factor authentication. It takes no longer than any other login that uses 2FA.

Both login.gov and id.me are quick to use once they are set up. I believe the OP was having difficulty setting up id.me in the first place.

From reading pages comparing the two, it appears that login.gov is easier to set up initially. ID.me requires a picture of an ID to verify identity while the pages say login.gov uses some other technique.

The OP should try creating a login.gov account to see if that is easier for him.

[Caymus]

Probably an iris scan, not a retinal scan, for the NEXUS system. Every time I go through Global Entry they are doing facial recognition.

Yes, I just found the old card and it was NEXUS.

[manaboutown]

We're from the government and we're here to help you.

It has been a few months but I recall having to do more to get on to the SS website. I do receive my yearly SS income statements and updates by snail mail.

Dealing with the government can be a nightmare. A few years ago I created an account with TreasuryDirect. Then my AT&T email account was closed because I did not change my password after several requests. I was locked out of my account and could not access my email at all. To update my email address at TreasuryDirect I had to fill out a special form on paper, obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee from a bank officer and snail mail it in. After a couple weeks I started checking, no email change. My T-bills were locked in a government account I could not access. I phoned and finally reached someone who told me that because my account was a trust (RLT) account it would take more time. Well, it only took 9 more months!

When my email address was finally updated I sold the bonds in the TreasuryDirect account and buy and sell my Treasuries on the Schwab platform. No more TreasuryDirect for me!

[jimhoward]

Did the system change? It was some sort of eye scan. I had to remove my contact lenses for the scan.

Are you sure you are talking about Global Entry, not Clear?

[Topspinmo]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer


Agree make it almost impossible, that’s why I just have them send me my tax information. Got tire of trying to log in and get information and print it out.

[MrFlorida]

After I read your post, I logged into SS and had no problem...worked just fine.

[daniel200]

I have both ID.me and login.gov accounts.

I need ID.me to access IRS.gov.

I need login.gov to access ssa.gov, eftps.gov, tsa.gov & pbgc.gov

After getting registered for ID.me and Login.gov, I have had no problem with access to any of the websites

Most of the government websites that deal directly with citizens are now requiring it.

[Bill14564]

I have both ID.me and login.gov accounts.

I need ID.me to access IRS.gov.

I need login.gov to access ssa.gov, eftps.gov, tsa.gov & pbgc.gov

After getting registered for ID.me and Login.gov, I have had no problem with access to any of the websites

Most of the government websites that deal directly with citizens are now requiring it.

That's why I have both accounts! Thank you, I couldn't remember!

[coralway]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer




LOGIN.gov

[Dahabs]

With all the staffing cuts, good luck getting help from a live person.

[Susan1717]

Global entry only uses facial recognition. The CLEAR ID at airport only is the one using the eye scan. I’ve never signed up for that one. I’m fine with TSA.

[SyrNancy]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

Is the email from SS asking me to sign in a new way a valid post from SS?

[birdiebill]

I have a Login.gov account and an ID.me account. I use Login.gov for VA and for the Trusted Traveler Program (Global Entry) with no problem. When I tried to use it for SSA, I had to go through the photo of front and back of driver's license, photo of my face, Social Security number and phone number. Every time I completed those steps, I received a message that my phone number was not a match. Therefore I could not get in to SSA.

I made an appointment for an in person visit to the SSA office in Leesburg. They checked my information with their system. My phone number was correct in their system. BUT, I was told I did not have an internet account. Somehow my previous account with the e-mail/password account had been deleted when the change was made to LOGIN.Gov. I was told to just set up a new online account using Login.gov. Came home. Set up new account. Login.gov now works for SSA.

[Bill14564]

Is the email from SS asking me to sign in a new way a valid post from SS?

Probably is valid but no need to click any links in that email.

Go to ssa.gov and click the Sign In button. On the next page you will be able to login with id.me or login.gov. If you don't have one of these logins then there are links to create one.

[jimkerr]

I received emails and a letter in the mail last year saying that they’re login was going to change and go ahead and update my information. I did so back then and now I can log on with no issue at all.

[RoboVil]

I am happy with the increased login security. Your SS # is in the hands of hackers, be thankful your login is not.

[daca55]

They had to many dead people logging in so they that’s why they changed the login process.

[midiwiz]

With all the staffing cuts, good luck getting help from a live person.

nice try but they are faster now. I've been able to talk to a live person in less than a few minutes for the last 4 months

[midiwiz]

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

First off, it's not stupid, it is actully necessary. Cyber attacks are headed towards quantum computing levels and this is in regards to NIST 800-53 & 171 to shore up government and private sector systems to attempt to prevent break in from the quantum level attacks.

Meaning it's for your own good. A lot of you Villagers whine and moan over ridiculous things, but as soon as you are hacked you bitch and complain when in fact you yourself caused it. Look at the number of you that throw out junk mail at the mail boxes. If you for a second don't think that a hacker can't find your info from that you are sorely mistaken.

As for getting everything paper, good luck it's all (including SSA) going 100% digital over the next couple of years. The facial recognition is part of where they are going, finger prints and other items are on the list. There is no facility doing retnal scans on the computer. The cams aren't able to do it. Facial works well for now, I'm surpised you haven't complained about pass keys.

All in all get over it. You either stay in the dark with zero information or do what is required to get your information. I've thought about delivering cyber security/security workshops around here, but it's apparent at this point that it's not worth my headache, your dollars, or my time.

"The teacher shall appear when the student is ready" - a dear friend of mine used that phrase. I've never found anything more true.

Carry on......

[wawriwwawriw]

I use I’d.me. Once you set up your identity with ID is relatively a prize to go through any of the federal agencies signing sites in my case Social Security, OPM, and VA.

[BlueStarAirlines]

First off, it's not stupid, it is actully necessary. Cyber attacks are headed towards quantum computing levels and this is in regards to NIST 800-53 & 171 to shore up government and private sector systems to attempt to prevent break in from the quantum level attacks.


I'm going to buy you a beer! I never thought I'd find someone referencing the NIST 800 series on this forum, so kudos! Still actively working for the Fed, so I live and breathe those documents every day.

The Villages is a goldmine for identity theft and actually surprised there isn't more of it here. Easy pickings!

[midiwiz]

I'm going to buy you a beer! I never thought I'd find someone referencing the NIST 800 series on this forum, so kudos! Still actively working for the Fed, so I live and breathe those documents every day.

The Villages is a goldmine for identity theft and actually surprised there isn't more of it here. Easy pickings!

was our largest customer LOL. (ok that gave it away, ssshhhhhh!) Yes this is a HUGE goldmine, it's amazing how easy pickins it is here. Luckily I'm on the ethical side of hacking

[celiarw]

Make sure you are using Login.gov

[Tvflguy]

We are PERFECTLY FINE with added login procedures if that decreases the SCAMS impacting our precious SS funds in D.C. FINALLY we have an organization focused on finding illegal scams. If one watches the news, there are many thousands of DEAD people (age 100-130) receiving funds (either scammers or relatives). And many many cases of stolen SS numbers and accounts going to criminals both inside USA and foreign. That's OUR precious SS $$$$ being stolen.

So folks take a breath and help protect our SS funds.

[Bill14564]

We are PERFECTLY FINE with added login procedures if that decreases the SCAMS impacting our precious SS funds in D.C. FINALLY we have an organization focused on finding illegal scams. If one watches the news, there are many thousands of DEAD people (age 100-130) receiving funds (either scammers or relatives). And many many cases of stolen SS numbers and accounts going to criminals both inside USA and foreign. That's OUR precious SS $$$$ being stolen.

So folks take a breath and help protect our SS funds.

Find a better channel.

[Danfournier]

I had the same problem and weird emails for the last 2 weeks. I called yesterday and ID.gov login is no longer available. The women told me to create new account using Login.gov. Going to try that now. Hope this helps.

[biker1]

You need to become more comfortable and patient about such necessary, and ubiquitous, procedures otherwise you may experience much inconvenience going forward. For example, you now need an ETA to go to some countries and the application is typically performed on your phone with the use of the phone's camera. I recently bought a new car entirely with a phone app that required pictures of both driver's licenses, picture of the title of the trade-in, numerous pictures of the trade-in, and final payment via bank transfer (done on my phone via their app also). It was the easiest, most convenient, and fastest new car transaction I have ever experienced.

I had not tried to log in to Social Security for a long time, until about an hour ago. I never made it because the process is a convoluted mess. It now requires that govID thing or whatever it is called.

I could not believe it was asking me to take a picture of myself with my driver's license. It is supposed to be some kind of new authentication add-on. Sending a code to my phone was not enough. Now it wants me to take a picture of myself and send it to them. How creepy.

How can putting even more information online be more secure? Is this supposed to be the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art security? If so, why is it still asking us to check those stupid boxes with pictures in them to prove we are not robots?

All I wanted was my 2025 statement. It was easy to get to the last time I looked. I probably printed it then but can't find it now.

I thought maybe it was just me, so I asked Google and found out I am not the only one ranting about this. I backed out because it does not feel secure to me. Adding two more pieces of information to a system that could be ripe for hacking makes me wary.

Does anybody know how to return to getting annual statements in the mail?

I miss the last century. Almost every day, I find myself quoting Dorothy Parker who was said to answer her door or phone by saying, "What fresh hell is this?" I don't say it to phone calls or visitors, but I say it when I turn on the computer and see what's new.

Boomer

[Tvflguy]

Find a better channel.

Please provide information re Social Security scams and illegal payments then.... ACTUAL data that MY CHANNEL provides in detail with substantiation.

[Bill14564]

Please provide information re Social Security scams and illegal payments then.... ACTUAL data that MY CHANNEL provides in detail with substantiation.

Your channel passes along misinformation as fact. While individual mistakes happen, there is not a group of 130 year olds receiving SS benefits, not the deceased, not the relatives, and not scammers.

[retiredguy123]

I use login.gov for my SSA.gov login. Very easy to log in. I use their two-step verification because it is safer.

I also use two-step verification when logging in to my Vanguard and Fidelity accounts. I highly recommend two-step verification for financial accounts because, even if someone gets your username and password, they cannot access your account. Much safer and it is easy to use.

[sunnyFLORIDA5828]

Your channel passes along misinformation as fact. While individual mistakes happen, there is not a group of 130 year olds receiving SS benefits, not the deceased, not the relatives, and not scammers.

My channel? What do you base your comments on! My thought is bias. Why strike out at trying to save Social Security fraud and abuse. My data is documented. But I will not even take time to totally verify here for you as that will be futile. I will rest my case. As some folks here simply cannot resist fighting. Done.

[Just jimmy]

Did the system change? It was some sort of eye scan. I had to remove my contact lenses for the scan.

I think that was clear system.

[ChezD]

Am I the only one left that prefers to go in face-to-face in the brick and mortar Leesburg?

[jimhoward]

Am I the only one left that prefers to go in face-to-face in the brick and mortar Leesburg?

I would say possibly yes. The last time was in there I am not sure I saw any retirees in the waiting area. It seemed to be mostly disability cases.

[LonnyP]

Thank you for all the cuts DOGE.