Use Login.gov or your Social Security payments may be suspended

I previously used Login.gov on the SSA but last month, I guess everyone was required to re-verify their ID during the Login.gov process on the SSA site.

The ID verification associated with Login.gov that was a show stopper for me was at the point where an often used telephone number was requested. I only have (1) phone number and the ID verification process rejected it, explaining that they could find no record of the phone number associated with me. Weird thing is that the smart phone I've had for about 4yrs now, is in fact a free government phone !!! AND when initially logging onto SSA through Login.gov and before the ID verification process ... they sent an access code to my number. So the dilemma is mind numbing. Makes no sense.

The way I found around this show stopper was to set up an account with ID.me. During the ID.me verification process, my phone number was requested. And just like with Login.gov, my phone number was rejected because they could find no record of the number associated with me. But turns out that it wasn't a show stopper with ID.me.

ID.me set up a video conference on my smart phone and an ID.me "Referee" viewed my driver's license front and back along with live face time during the video conference. I was then "verified" and granted ID.me access to the SSA site.

Just yesterday, I went to the state DMV and applied for a REAL ID. I have a piece of paper good for up to 30days while I await snail mail containing my new REAL ID driver's license. So I can't even attempt another shot at Login.gov or any agency requiring a photo of front and back of driver's license, until it arrives in the mail ... in about a week to 10 business days according the DMV lady.
 

papa tiger said:
Mack if you get direct deposit I would stop in at your bank and see if they can help you.
The Bank should have a more direct no B.S. line. It should be down in the 20 or so instead
of a million. Most likely a different phone number, maybe closer to treasurer.

Remember Joey on Friends, he is on a movie of screwed up Comedy now on Movie Hub.
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That's a good idea. At this time, I'm not changing banks, so I haven't looked into that angle. I just wanted to set up a Social Security account so I could make any changes if necessary, whether now or at some future time.

Social Security finally called me (just a few minutes ago) and could not help with the technical issues, but she said she will have the local office call me tomorrow and make an appointment to come in.

I also asked her if it's true that benefits will (or could be) interrupted or halted if I do not set up an account, because there are news sources reporting this. She was adamant that is not true.
 
What
MACKTEXAS said:
Since my initial post today in this thread, I've been working on this without success. I can sign in to login.gov and it shows I have an SSA account connected. So, I clicked to go to the SSA account, and I get a new page from SSA asking me to fill in all my information including but not limited to: name, address, phone number, and social security number. When I finished, I hit the submit (or enter button) and got a banner at the top telling me they could not create a social security account for me.

So I returned to the login.gov page where there is a link to click for help. I clicked, and and all I got was a list of FAQ's, none of which apply to my situation, and there is no number to talk to a live person. I do find a number for login.gov elsewhere, but when I call there it states they cannot answer questions individually, and offers only a menu of FAQ's. If I don't choose one, the line disconnects.

If I click on the SSA website for help, I get a link to their phone number 800-772-1213, which has a recording stating the wait is over 120 minutes, and if I do not want to stay on hold, someone will call me back if I press 1. I pressed it over 2 hours ago and have still not received a call.

The nearest local SSA office is 40 miles away. Various websites, including SSA strongly recommend not walking in . . . get an appointment. I called the local office to make an appointment, and could not speak with anyone. There is no need to call the main SSA number, since I've already done that, as I mentioned, without any luck.
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I'm thinking you probably did, but did you try going to the official Social Security site and sign in there using your Login.gov information? I tried clicking an ssa link at Login.gov and couldn't get through either but I was able to get to my info through the Social Security site.
 

Naturally said:
I previously used Login.gov on the SSA but last month, I guess everyone was required to re-verify their ID during the Login.gov process on the SSA site.

The ID verification associated with Login.gov that was a show stopper for me was at the point where an often used telephone number was requested. I only have (1) phone number and the ID verification process rejected it, explaining that they could find no record of the phone number associated with me. Weird thing is that the smart phone I've had for about 4yrs now, is in fact a free government phone !!! AND when initially logging onto SSA through Login.gov and before the ID verification process ... they sent an access code to my number. So the dilemma is mind numbing. Makes no sense.

The way I found around this show stopper was to set up an account with ID.me. During the ID.me verification process, my phone number was requested. And just like with Login.gov, my phone number was rejected because they could find no record of the number associated with me. But turns out that it wasn't a show stopper with ID.me.

ID.me set up a video conference on my smart phone and an ID.me "Referee" viewed my driver's license front and back along with live face time during the video conference. I was then "verified" and granted ID.me access to the SSA site.

Just yesterday, I went to the state DMV and applied for a REAL ID. I have a piece of paper good for up to 30days while I await snail mail containing my new REAL ID driver's license. So I can't even attempt another shot at Login.gov or any agency requiring a photo of front and back of driver's license, until it arrives in the mail ... in about a week to 10 business days according the DMV lady.
Click to expand...
'' So I can't even attempt another shot at Login.gov or any agency requiring a photo of front and back of driver's license, until it arrives in the mail ... in about a week to 10 business days according the DMV lady.''

Horrendous I remember when things were fast correctly before this internet nonsense which you kids love so dearly , lol

You would call a number a human would answer and few minutes later problem resolved .
 
Naturally said:
The way I found around this show stopper was to set up an account with ID.me. During the ID.me verification process, my phone number was requested. And just like with Login.gov, my phone number was rejected because they could find no record of the number associated with me. But turns out that it wasn't a show stopper with ID.me.

ID.me set up a video conference on my smart phone and an ID.me "Referee" viewed my driver's license front and back along with live face time during the video conference. I was then "verified" and granted ID.me access to the SSA site.
Click to expand...
Thanks - I remember seeing a post of yours about using ID.me in another thread. I wish I had done that, but I had already gone through login.gov and was concerned about trying to start over.
 
Judycat said:
What


I'm thinking you probably did, but did you try going to the official Social Security site and sign in there using your Login.gov information? I tried clicking an ssa link at Login.gov and couldn't get through either but I was able to get to my info through the Social Security site.
Click to expand...
Yes, I tried both ways.
 
The Internet is become a ball of total insane Ai b.s. The screen is filling up with total nonsense.
Ya look at a question you ask and from then on ever other line of pictures are an add. Nonsense.
more nonsense.
 
I would put off retirement for a couple of years and let their DC mess iron em out.
You just get better stuff then and you have a good reason to keep on keeping on.
I know that seems easy to say. My decision was bout my own personal safety at
work. Why stay and die on the job when I can retire to & ok life planned. My job
was fairly dangerous too.

Maybe pick a good investment for some of the added income of working?

Times were different then for me & my health was superb too.
 
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MACKTEXAS said:
So I returned to the login.gov page where there is a link to click for help. I clicked, and and all I got was a list of FAQ's, none of which apply to my situation, and there is no number to talk to a live person. I do find a number for login.gov elsewhere, but when I call there it states they cannot answer questions individually, and offers only a menu of FAQ's. If I don't choose one, the line disconnects.
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When I finish one of these automated run-a rounds without accomplishing anything, I say,"Ain't AI great!" I'm not impressed. I hope they will get it right some day.
 
JustDave said:
When I finish one of these automated run-a rounds without accomplishing anything, I say,"Ain't AI great!" I'm not impressed. I hope they will get it right some day.
Click to expand...
In theory they would be more efficient but nothing even close to that happened .

Ever call USPS to inquire about anything ?

A nightmare yet as a kid I called and local USPS it was about a t-shirt I was waiting for from Frosted Flakes and human answers and told me it was out for delivery .
 
That Lady in PA said:
:::sigh:::
I did not read the link above because I already know there are errors in it.
Benefits will NOT be suspended!

From the SS site
Learn about changes we’re making to your personal my Social Security account | SSA

------------

What if I don't transition to Login.gov or ID.me? Will that affect my Social Security payments?​

Your Social Security benefits and Medicare premium deductions are not affected by the transition. However, to continue using our many convenient online services without interruption, you will need to transition to a Login.gov or ID.me account. If you do not transition your Social Security username to Login.gov or you don’t have an ID.me account, you will not have access to your personal my Social Security account.
-------------

Repeating the pertinant part...
Your Social Security benefits and Medicare premium deductions are not affected by the transition.
Click to expand...
SCAM
 
MACKTEXAS said:
Thanks - I remember seeing a post of yours about using ID.me in another thread. I wish I had done that, but I had already gone through login.gov and was concerned about trying to start over.
Click to expand...
If getting into too much rigamarole with Login.gov, do not hesitate to give ID.me a try. Both ask for the same personal information ... best provided via a smart phone. But the difference is that ID.me will work with you when there is a glitch in the ID verification process.

Login.gov and ID.me are two entirely separate log on options. Each independent of the other. Both with the same goal ... verify ID and allow access to sites.

ID.me will not care what your experience with Login.gov may have been. The advantage with ID.me when there is a glitch is that they will send a link to your smart phone to click on, setting up a video conference with an ID.me "Referee" (a real live person) that will personally assist you.

The only problem with the video conference for me was that I couldn't figure out how to put the conference call audio on speakerphone and had to hold the phone near my ear when given instruction and then move the phone away, so my smart phone camera could capture the information the "Referee" was requesting. At one point, my ear contacted the touch screen surface of the phone and actually minimized the video conference, resulting in loss of live image. I simply clicked on the minimized conference call and live video was restored.

I guess my point is that if in a similar circumstance during a video conference, don't let your ear contact the touch screen. Results may not be predictable.

I explained to the ID.me "Referee" up front that I was unable to put the conference call audio on speakerphone and the "Referee" was patient and we worked everything out.
 
Naturally said:
If getting into too much rigamarole with Login.gov, do not hesitate to give ID.me a try. Both ask for the same personal information ... best provided via a smart phone. But the difference is that ID.me will work with you when there is a glitch in the ID verification process.

Login.gov and ID.me are two entirely separate log on options. Each independent of the other. Both with the same goal ... verify ID and allow access to sites.

ID.me will not care what your experience with Login.gov may have been. The advantage with ID.me when there is a glitch is that they will send a link to your smart phone to click on, setting up a video conference with an ID.me "Referee" (a real live person) that will personally assist you.
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If I can't get this straightened out soon, I saw an option to close the login.gov account, so thanks for the extra information about ID.me. They're probably the better option.
 
MACKTEXAS said:
By the way, the fine folks at local SSA office must have cushy jobs. Their hours are 9 AM - 4 PM. How nice.
Click to expand...

Perhaps not as cushy as it appeared.
They give them a lunchbreak (unpaid)
and keep them at a 30 hour week, so pay far less benefits etc......
 
@MACKTEXAS ... A comment concerning the 10 digit verification code Login.gov sends out ... which you say you never received. My comments below strictly concern Login.gov only.

I was trying to use Login.gov to get onto the Veterans Administration (VA) website and during the ID verification process, my phone number became a show stopper when they could not find an association of my phone number with me !!! At that point, Login.gov offered to send a 10 digit verification code via snail mail. Some 3-4 business days later, the Login.gov verification code arrived ... I entered the code and was granted access to my account on the VA site.

BUT ... when trying to use Login.gov on the Social Security Administration (SSA) site, I was not offered the option of having a 10 verification code to me. I emailed Login.gov explaining my predicament with the SSA site and explained that I'd already been sent a verification code which allowed access to my account on the VA site.

Login.gov responded that the SSA would not accept a 10 digit verification code and that's why that option wasn't offered. They further explained that if there was any problem with the ID verification process ... I would have to visit a SSA office in person to straighten it out.

Each site requires an ID verification process independent of all others. And it's up to the individual site, what they will and will not accept as part of the ID verification process. So what worked with the VA is all well and good but has no bearing on what is acceptable on any other site.

SOoooo ... what did I do? ... Well, I deleted my Login.gov profile. Straight up deleted it on the Login.gov site. My thinking was that maybe if I started all over fresh with a Login.gov profile, somehow my phone number would be associated with my name.

Bright idea eh. But it didn't work out that way. I set up a completely brand new Login.gov profile and tried to use Login.gov to get on the SSA again and AGAIN, the ID verification process stopped when my number could not be associated with my name.

AND ... when I tried to use Login.gov to get back on the VA site ... they didn't recognize the new Login.gov profile and I had to go through the whole rigamarole of getting another 10 digit verification code from Login.gov. That code actually arrived TODAY and I was able to log back onto the VA site once the code was entered today.

I still have not figured out from where they get name and phone number information. I sure would like to figure it out and find out how to associate the only phone number I have, with my name.

Bottom line is that some sites like the VA will accept a 10 digit verification code from Login.gov while other sites like the SSA will not.
 
Naturally said:
@MACKTEXAS ... A comment concerning the 10 digit verification code Login.gov sends out ... which you say you never received. My comments below strictly concern Login.gov only.

I was trying to use Login.gov to get onto the Veterans Administration (VA) website and during the ID verification process, my phone number became a show stopper when they could not find an association of my phone number with me !!! At that point, Login.gov offered to send a 10 digit verification code via snail mail. Some 3-4 business days later, the Login.gov verification code arrived ... I entered the code and was granted access to my account on the VA site.

BUT ... when trying to use Login.gov on the Social Security Administration (SSA) site, I was not offered the option of having a 10 verification code to me. I emailed Login.gov explaining my predicament with the SSA site and explained that I'd already been sent a verification code which allowed access to my account on the VA site.

Login.gov responded that the SSA would not accept a 10 digit verification code and that's why that option wasn't offered. They further explained that if there was any problem with the ID verification process ... I would have to visit a SSA office in person to straighten it out.

Each site requires an ID verification process independent of all others. And it's up to the individual site, what they will and will not accept as part of the ID verification process. So what worked with the VA is all well and good but has no bearing on what is acceptable on any other site.

SOoooo ... what did I do? ... Well, I deleted my Login.gov profile. Straight up deleted it on the Login.gov site. My thinking was that maybe if I started all over fresh with a Login.gov profile, somehow my phone number would be associated with my name.

Bright idea eh. But it didn't work out that way. I set up a completely brand new Login.gov profile and tried to use Login.gov to get on the SSA again and AGAIN, the ID verification process stopped when my number could not be associated with my name.

AND ... when I tried to use Login.gov to get back on the VA site ... they didn't recognize the new Login.gov profile and I had to go through the whole rigamarole of getting another 10 digit verification code from Login.gov. That code actually arrived TODAY and I was able to log back onto the VA site once the code was entered today.

I still have not figured out from where they get name and phone number information. I sure would like to figure it out and find out how to associate the only phone number I have, with my name.
Click to expand...
WHAT A MESS. Times like this I'd like to go back to 1980!
 
MACKTEXAS said:
WHAT A MESS. Times like this I'd like to go back to 1980!
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It is a mess. ID.me straightened things out so I could log onto the SSA site when Login.gov only offered I needed to visit a SSA office in person to work it out. ID.me saved me a trip out of town to visit an SSA office. I recommend giving ID.me a try if Login.gov isn't working. No need to delete your Login.gov profile. As mentioned, ID.me does not care what your experience with Login.gov has been.

EDIT: The only perhaps real drawback I can see in doing that, is that a whole new website and database will have your personal information. But if one isn't working ... there is at least that choice to try the other.
 
Just a comment about the phone number I have not being associated with my name during the ID verification process ...

I think it must be extremely difficult for someone to look up a number for me maybe. The only people with my number are those I want to share it with and have personally given it to.

So how has that worked out for me? ... Well, I only get about one spam call a month or so, where I would have gotten a dozen when with a number provided by a major telephone company service such as Verizon, Centurylink etc etc. So there's that.

As mentioned, mine is a free government phone and number. Similar too if not the same as what was once referred to as an "Obama phone". I think Tracfone wireless is the parent company I'm with but the phone and number was provided free, through SafeLink wireless.
 
Naturally said:
Just a comment about the phone number I have not being associated with my name during the ID verification process ...

I think it must be extremely difficult for someone to look up a number for me maybe. The only people with my number are those I want to share it with and have personally given it to.

So how has that worked out for me? ... Well, I only get about one spam call a month or so, where I would have gotten a dozen when with a number provided by a major telephone company service such as Verizon, Centurylink etc etc. So there's that.

As mentioned, mine is a free government phone and number. Similar too if not the same as what was once referred to as an "Obama phone". I think Tracfone wireless is the parent company I'm with but the phone and number was provided free, through SafeLink wireless.
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I don't have a free phone from the government, but it is a prepaid phone, often called a "burner phone.", I've used it a long time, and I have an account set up with the provider, but not a name association in public records. I do it that way because this phone costs me about half what I would pay for a phone in my name through a contract with Verizon.

In my way of thinking, that should not matter anyway, because I am not required by law to have ANY phone, plus I had already submitted a picture of my drivers license and a selfie through the very phone they were questioning, as well as responding to texts in the sign up process. So they knew by that it was my phone.
 

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