Mandatory Digital Aging Social Security Deadline

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Aging in Alabama

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Apr 24, 2025

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Alabama - Gulf Coast

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MANDATORY DIGITAL AGING!  APRIL 14, 2025 SOCIAL SECURITY DEADLINE!

 by Kyla G. Kelim, Esq., Aging in Alabama

 So many changes going on in the government right now.  This one may have slid by you, but we all must immediately set up an online account for Social Security.  By April 14, 2025.   Is this for real or a scam?  Yes, it is real.  Unless you want to make a trip to your social security office for everything.  How is the best way to do this?

You may be totally digital and able to skip this article entirely BUT what about your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, children or clients? Are all of them as tech savvy?  If not, then it would be a great service to help them navigate this step.

Many seniors are either unable to accomplish this or are deeply suspicious of the process.  Either way, seek professional assistance.  That’s right, ask your brightest grandchild!  No, ask your tax professional, lawyer, case manager, or another trusted professional to assist you.  You need to make sure not only that it is set up correctly and properly secured but also that someone else who is trusted has a way to access it.

First, you must have or get an email address.  If you do not have one, many providers offer them for free.  Some of the most popular will be GMAIL or YAHOO.  Pick a name that you will remember and secure it with a strong password and some other security, such as 2 factor authentication.  Have someone you trust that can also keep your information in case you cannot access it. 

Second, you need to set up an account on LOGIN.GOV.m or ID.ME.

Third, finish setting up your account on https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ .  You will be able to set up how you want Social Security to have you verify your identity and place additional security.

Fourth, if you had an account on myssa.gov prior to September, 2021, you need to still open an account at login.gov or id.me.

What happens if I miss the deadline?  You will lose access to your online account if you had one or you will have to go to your social security office for information or to apply for benefits.  This will become more and more difficult as you age and need others to assist you.  It will be hard on parents if their children that assist them live far away.  The worst case scenario? We have to go to court to get a Conservatorship open in order to be able to help ill parents or spouses. 

Best move is to have this bit of forced technology urge families to do more extensive planning for the digital future, and put appropriate safeguards in place so aging in place is less stressful.

If you need more information contact Kyla Kelim at Aging in Alabama, an elder law firm offering consultation and advocacy for clients in Alabama and Florida.  Contact Aging in Alabama at 251-281-8120.

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