SSA's Public Credentialing and Authentication Process
No material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved without change
06/04/2025
05/28/2025
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
02/28/2027
02/28/2027
02/28/2027
21,549,110
0
193,030,126
359,151
0
3,280,597
0
0
0
The Social Security Administration's citizen authentication process enables a new user experience and access to more electronic services. Authentication is the foundation for secure, online transactions. Identity authentication is the process of determining, with confidence, that someone is who he or she claims to be during a remote, automated session. It comprises three distinct factors: something you know, something you have, and something you are. Single-factor authentication uses one of the factors, and multi-factor authentication uses two or more of the factors. Social Security's process features credential issuance, account management, and single- and multi-factor authentication. We allow our users to maintain one User ID, which consists of a self-selected Username and Password, to access multiple Social Security electronic services. This process provides the means for authenticating users of Social Security's sensitive electronic services and streamlines access to those services. The respondents are individuals who choose to use the Internet or Automated Telephone Response System to conduct business with SSA.
This is an IT Mod Change Request to finally remove the eAccess option for credentialing from the SSA website. As per our previous change, requiring all new users to register a credential with Login.gov or ID.me, and our more recent approved request to remind current eAccess credential holders that we also need them to register through Login.gov or ID.me, we are finally in the last phase - the removal of the eAccess credential option. All respondents will be able to register or request access to their mySocial Security accounts through either Login.gov or ID.me.
The information above shows a significant reduction in usage and burden for this information collection. This reduction is due to the removal of the eAccess sign-ins and registration. In addition, we are also removing the information collection in ROCIS specifically referencing iRPA Users, as we have rolled those users into the total data for Login.gov and ID.me sign-ins. Finally, we are also showing a significant decrease in the Login.gov and ID.me sign-ins. We believe this is because most of our users who were registered through eAccess were also already registered through Login.gov or ID.me, and we are no longer double counting them. We also note that we requested the MI data above directly from Login.gov and ID.me. While it shows a lower usage than we previously accounted for under this ICR, we are adjusting the burden to reflect actual MI data. Going forward, we will ensure we update the MI data per the data that Login.gov and ID.me provide to us for SSA.gov user sign-in requests.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Justification for the Non-Substantive Changes - 0789 (IT Mod Request).docx
Internet ID.me Sign-Ins