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    Login.gov & ID.me Helper

    One sign-in for SSA, IRS, VA, Medicare, and more.

    What these are

    Two government-approved sign-in services. Instead of a different password for every federal site (Social Security, Medicare, IRS, VA, USAJobs, etc.), you create ONE account and use it everywhere. Both are free and operated under federal contracts.

    Login.gov — operated by the General Services Administration. The simpler, government-run option.

    ID.me — a private company contracted by the government. Has a stricter "verify your identity with selfie" step for some agencies.

    Which one do you need?

    • Social Security (SSA): Both work. Login.gov is simpler. Set up at ssa.gov/myaccount.
    • IRS (your tax records): ID.me only. irs.gov.
    • Medicare: Login.gov works. medicare.gov.
    • VA: Both. ID.me is more common. va.gov.
    • USAJobs: Login.gov.
    • StudentAid.gov: Login.gov.

    In short: most people end up with both. Set up Login.gov first since it's used by more agencies and easier.

    Setting up Login.gov

    1. Go to login.gov.
    2. Click "Create an account".
    3. Type your email — use one you check daily.
    4. Pick a password — at least 12 characters.
    5. Pick how you'll get the second-step code: text message is easiest. Or use the free Authenticator app for stronger security.
    6. Confirm with the test code they send.
    7. Done. Now when you visit ssa.gov, medicare.gov, etc., click "Sign in with Login.gov".

    Setting up ID.me (more steps — needed for IRS)

    1. Go to id.me.
    2. Click "Create an ID.me account".
    3. Email + password + confirm.
    4. Choose a second-step code method (text or app).
    5. Verify your identity — this is the bigger step. You'll need:
      • A driver's license, passport, or state ID.
      • A working camera on your phone or computer.
      • To take a selfie that the system matches to your ID photo.
    6. If selfie verification fails (common with older phones), you can do a video call with an ID.me agent — takes 5-15 minutes.
    7. Once verified, your account is ready.

    Watch out for fakes

    • Always type login.gov or id.me directly — never click a link in an email.
    • Real Login.gov and ID.me will never call you, never ask for gift cards, never email you to "verify urgently".
    • Watch for typo-domain scams like "logingov.com" or "idme.net" — those are fake.

    If you get stuck

    Both services have free phone support. Login.gov: 1-844-875-6446. ID.me: open a chat at help.id.me. They're patient with first-time users.