Kathy_9 They lie.
Just to see if I could access my SS account online I tried going to their website. I have a valid Login.gov account and it allowed me into the site. However, it still wanted me to verify my identity by uploading pictures of my state ID, my ss# etc. You could either do this by going to the Post Office or by Smart Phone. I chose the phone because well it should be easier, right? They sent me a link to open on my phone, which I used Firefox to open it. The first thing they wanted was a photo (front and back) of my id. The camera would not open for this webpage. I checked and FF does have permission for the camera, but still would not work. I tried a second time, still no luck. Now if I’m having this much difficulty think how some 80 year old granny who doesn’t have 50 years of computer experience will fare. SS tells you that all you need is a valid Login.gov account, but they lie. It seems to me that before t(45)** I was able to log in using the Login.gov account without any further requirements.
I tried again with Google Chrome straight from my phone. I was able to use Chrome to enter my ID photos, but it took a lot of effort to get the right lighting, distance and profile, took me four attempts for the front but only one for the back. After that they wanted a facial picture. They tell you to remove any coverings including glasses. I had difficulty with this step too and took several tries. The app kept saying I was too close or it couldn’t find a face (yes, I’m that ugly.) It finally captured it as I was in a frown. They then ask for your full ss#. I hadn’t used my full number in so long that I got the middle two numbers wrong and had to reenter. After all that they want you to enter a 10 digit security code to validate your phone. They said that my cell number was not associated with my account even though everything they had just sent me was over my phone. I had to opt to call me on my landline number that I don’t use and will be getting rid of it when I no longer need it (I only keep it for my mom’s sake.) So they called and gave me the number which I was able to enter without a hitch, but I can’t imagine some granny who can barely move trying to enter this long number. After all that they sent me a recovery code to use if I ever lose my password. I can finally log in to SS now, but still requires a cell phone for 2FA.
I dread trying to set up my mom for this and I’m not certain it will even work since he DL expired years ago.
[edit] Strange, I was able to log in to my mom’s account without all this rig-a-ma-role, maybe I set this up for her before.