Can't access Social Security account after ID.me change - 2+ hour hold times!

Same thing happened to me last month! The ID.me verification is a complete nightmare. What worked for me was going to the SSA login page, clicking on "Sign In with LOGIN.GOV" instead of the ID.me option. For some reason that worked even though my ID.me credentials were rejected. Also make sure you're not using any password manager autofill - type everything manually.

omg the hold music is THE WORST!! i got disconnected yesterday after 1hr 42min on hold and almost threw my phone at the wall lol

The transition to ID.me has caused widespread account access issues. Here's what I recommend: 1. Clear your browser cache and cookies completely 2. Try using a different browser (Firefox works better than Chrome in my experience) 3. If the "forgot password" option isn't working, you may need to create an entirely new account 4. Double-check that your email is verified on both systems If you're still locked out, you might need to visit an office in person. Make sure you bring your driver's license, passport if you have one, and your Social Security card. Some offices accept walk-ins early in the morning, especially if you emphasize that you have an urgent need with an upcoming retirement application.

I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM!! Been using my account for YEARS then suddenly locked out after this stupid ID.me garbage. I spent 4 hours on hold last Thursday and FINALLY got someone who said my accounts were "out of sync" whatever THAT means. They had to manually reset something on their end. Keep trying to call, its the only way to fix it!!

I was stuck in the same situation last month trying to check my SSDI payment status. After multiple failed attempts calling the regular SSA line, I tried a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of hours. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it essentially holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me a ton of frustration and the agent was able to fix my account access on the spot.

Anyone else notice how the government keeps forcing us to create more and more online accounts with different companies? First Login.gov, then ID.me, what's next? I've been receiving SS for 5 years and used to be able to check my COLA increases by just calling. Now everything requires some complicated online setup. Not everyone is tech savvy enough for this!

UPDATE: I tried the LOGIN.GOV option and it did let me create a new account, but it's still not connecting to my existing SS information. Then I used that Claimyr service someone recommended, and it actually worked! Got a call back in about 25 minutes and spoke with an agent named Marcus who was super helpful. He explained that when they transitioned to the new system, some accounts got a data mismatch - my birth date was entered differently in the two systems (MM/DD/YYYY in one and DD/MM/YYYY in the other). He fixed it on their end and walked me through resetting everything. I'm back in my account now and can see my statement! Thanks everyone for the help. What a ridiculous process but at least it's resolved now.