Logging in to Social Security Account will require text-enabled cell phone (divorced, relatives)

[Flamingo13]

Originally Posted by azoria

I've never had a cell phone and have no idea how to use one, much less text. Our phone is plugged into the wall.

Will we be able to access by computer? I have a computer.

No, if you've read the posts, you will NEED to get a code texted to a phone so you can log in.

[azoria]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

No, if you've read the posts, you will NEED to get a code texted to a phone so you can log in.

I don't even know what that means.

[teddyearp]

Originally Posted by TFW46

I wouldnt be surprised if Medicare also implements this policy soon -- because of the following inclusion in the SSA email:

This new requirement is the result of an executive order for federal agencies <snip>

Does anyone else see this? NO vote, no option, probably no recourse. Just another decree.

[Ariadne22]

Same qs and objections being voiced over and over.

Are people jumping in here and not reading anything posted - even one or two pages - earlier?

For those who have internet but with no cell or cell access, a free google voicemail account can be set up.

Once again, here is the link:

https://www.google.com/#q=free+google+voice+mail

That free google voice mail account can be set up to forward any messages to your email IN YOUR COMPUTER.

Voila - you have your code.

[azoria]

Voila what??



Dare I ask what a google voice mail account is? Never heard of that either.

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by azoria

Voila what??



Dare I ask what a google voice mail account is? Never heard of that either.

Aw....c'mon, now - it ain't that hard. Clearly you can read. Click on the google link, visit the voice mail page, and set up an account. Takes about 30 seconds. Then when you visit SSA.gov and it asks for a phone number, give SSA the google number. SSA will text the number to your google account, the google account forwards to your email - VOILA - you have the code to access you SSA account. No cell phone needed. I just did it - was so simple.

[azoria]

Thanks for condescending from on high.

I might also add that our current plan is to retire to south America.

Not only do I have zero experience with this stuff, I have no idea how to accomplish it, or even if it works internationally.

[Clemencia53]

Originally Posted by teddyearp

[/i]

Does anyone else see this? NO vote, no option, probably no recourse. Just another decree.

I just read the ssa page about this. The order was to improve security. Didn't tell them how. This is the way they chose to do it.

[TFW46]

Originally Posted by azoria

Thanks for condescending from on high.
I might also add that our current plan is to retire to south America.
Not only do I have zero experience with this stuff, I have no idea how to accomplish it, or even if it works internationally.

I agree that some people are acting very high and mighty in their texting knowledge and ability. And, sorry to say, I dont think those living outside the USA will be able to get past this new login requirement. I could be wrong, of course, as I'm one of those being mocked for my ignorance by the high and mighty here.

[Pat Answers]

Not happy about this, if it TRULY is mandatory, which I read here it NOW is. I do text, have been doing that for a few years (and yes I'm over 66). My husband does not text but sometimes people just do not take NO for an answer and will text him anyway. He has figured out that there is some way he can hit the right button and reply in voice right to their voice mail...and that person usually stops texting him! Yeah, he's a Neanderthal.

I guess what we do is both of us use My number. Calling is not an option. Been there done that, with hours and hours of wait time. SO Annoying. Also going to the office for some little dumb questions, with drive time and a half hour wait in the office on average is about an hour and a half. I'm sure Medicare will be following suit.

I have a bad feeling about giving out my cell number. Somebody already got that number and I get a number of spam cell calls. I also refuse to take those surveys on each and every register receipt I get from everybody these days. Once you do that, they have your email address and there goes the spam count, zoom!