Anyone get the email from Social Security about new log in procedure?

debbie in seattle

debbie in seattle

Senior Member
Location
Seattle
Rec'd an email from SS that in order to now log into your SS account, have to have a phone with text capabilities to receive an authorization number and then you have to also use that number to access your account.
You don't have that, no access. What a bunch of idiots, this is SS for seniors, not a bunch of millennials.
 

I hear ya...I got the same e-mail. I guess the people running SS think that Seniors walk around all day with a Smartphone glued to their face....like some goofy teenager. Sounds like another fine example of some government bureaucrat who lives in a fantasy world.
 
Hubby got it... I didn't... But I agree... it's stupid.. Many older seniors don't have smart phones or are proficient in using them.. In fact.. I JUST started texting only about 6 months ago when it became apparent that if I wanted to communicate with younger family members, I'd better figure it out.
 
I got it, too. I suspect there might be some push back from AARP.

However, is it likely that any senior who might be on-line dealing with SSA probably also has a cell phone of some sort? My old, moldy, never-used flip phone can receive texts, so I don't think it needs to be a smart phone.

I appreciate that the SSA has added another layer of security, but they might want to add another option. One of our credit cards offers the option of receiving the secret code by automated phone call, and it comes immediately. That would work, unless the user is hearing-impaired.
 
Looks like the new trend. My brokerage firm is starting something similar. Text codes for various transactions. Sometimes at random. I can adjust, but it will be difficult for the older seniors.
 
QuickSilver said:
Hubby got it... I didn't... But I agree... it's stupid.. Many older seniors don't have smart phones or are proficient in using them.. In fact.. I JUST started texting only about 6 months ago when it became apparent that if I wanted to communicate with younger family members, I'd better figure it out.
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Thats the running joke in our house, the texting. Just pick up the phone and call!!!
 
After I got this e-mail, I forwarded it to my Rep and Senators, and sent the SSA a note asking them what parallel universe they are living in. It will be interesting to see if I get any response.
 
Two-factor authentication (password plus code) is becoming increasingly more prevalent, and for good reasons. I have several online accounts that offer this additional security layer, and I always sign up for it, including the SSA account. I can understand though that not every senior knows how to text or has a text-capable phone, and per its FAQ, it appears the only SSA contact alternative is to call them.
 
I'm old school myself but have moved a little into the texting, my credit union & pension both use 'Two-factor authentication' my credit union offers 4 options & the one I use mostly is an alert with code to my email account. The code is only so good for a limited time. I use 'Thunderbird Mail' to receive the alerts it's always on when I'm using my laptop. It also alerts me on my smartphone. A flip phone that has texting enabled can receive the alerts also, ours is through 'Consumer Cellular'. We share our talk & text with NO data enabled. Maybe SS will also have email option, here's hoping. Much more convenient than having the phone on near my laptop.

I just logged in, entered my number then got the text but kept trying to use the SS phone number as the code. You have to open the text to get your 10 digit code. I saw nothing indicating the 'email' option I mentioned. It said I'm all setup & will need the code in the future.
 
My husband (who really never access' the SS website just had to get into it today. He used my phone number and the access code came to me, then he was able to access his SS stuff. I believe he did change his primary phone to my cell phone. Guess he still doesn't need to get rid of his dumb phone and get with the modern times...

I see a whole shoot storm coming over this with all the seniors. What the heck was the upper echelon thinking?
 
Nope, didn't get the email because they don't have my email. Also I don't have cell phone for texting. Why would I want to contact them anyway? To ask why we didn't get a cost of living raise? Or to tell them a smart phone cost more than my monthly allotment. :aargh:
 
I also got that e-mail so closed that and went to the Soc. Security website.

There is NOTHING on their website about that so I am hopeful it is just another option they will offer. If not, a lot of us will be out of the loop. I don't have a smarty phone either and my OLD cell phone is pre-paid which I use when I travel. We'll see but I agree that AARP will have to step up if they go that route.
 
I set it all up and it works well. Whatever the bother, it is far less than trying to clean up the mess made if some criminal takes my identity and my SS benefits.
 
I see that SSA announced today they're rolling back this change while they look at accessibility alternatives.

On July 30, 2016, we began requiring you to sign into your my Social Security account using a one-time code sent via text message. We implemented this new layer of security, known as “multifactor authentication,” in compliance with a Presidential executive order to improve the security of consumer financial transactions. SSA implemented the improvements aggressively because we have a fundamental responsibility to protect the public’s personal information.


However, multifactor authentication inconvenienced or restricted access to some of our account holders. We’re listening to your concerns and are responding by temporarily rolling back this mandate.


As before July 30, you can now access your secure account using only your username and password. We highly recommend the extra security text message option, but it is not required. We’re developing an alternative authentication option, besides text messaging, that we’ll begin implementing within the next six months.


We strive to balance security and customer service options, and we want to ensure that our online services are both easy to use and secure. The my Social Security service has always featured a robust verification and authentication process, and it remains safe and secure.


We regret any inconvenience you may have experienced.


There is no requirement that you access your personal my Social Security account as a result of the steps we are taking. However, when you do access your account, we encourage you to sign up for the extra security text message option. You can access your account by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
 
We were all left behind, text based business is becoming the norm.

When making the installation appointment for Dish TV service, they just were baffled by my refusal to give them my cell #, so that the installer could text me, when he was enroute to my location. I told them that he could just C A L L my phone number....they were perplexed!
 
tnthomas said:
We were all left behind, text based business is becoming the norm.

When making the installation appointment for Dish TV service, they just were baffled by my refusal to give them my cell #, so that the installer could text me, when he was enroute to my location. I told them that he could just C A L L my phone number....they were perplexed!
Click to expand...

I get that all the time. I DON'T want everybody and their brother to have that phone number, and I often don't even hear it when it rings. I don't carry it around with me at home and it's usually stuffed in the bottom of my purse in another room and I may or may not hear it. I don't use the cell much, don't text at all. I got the phone for safety reasons (like if I get stranded in my car) and I refuse to get attached to it like it's a pacemaker.
 

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