Big changes are underway at the Social Security Administration (SSA), and for many older adults, they’re creating confusion. As more essential services move online, these transitions can be overwhelming without the right guidance and support.
As of June 7, 2025, the SSA began directing users to log in through Login.gov or ID.me. While this new process is intended to improve security, it means creating an account, setting up two-factor authentication, and verifying your identity online. These steps can be challenging for those who are not comfortable with technology.
To make matters more challenging, in-person appointments can be difficult to get, field offices may be far from home, and phone calls are often met with long wait times.
At The Smarter Service, we provide on-site tech concierge support to senior living communities across the country, including The Covington, an ECS Senior Living Community, in Aliso Viejo, CA. We offer in-person and virtual tech support, group classes, and enrichment programming to help residents feel confident and capable with their devices.
When residents at The Covington voiced concerns about the new SSA changes, we moved quickly to develop a solution.
Partnering with the SSA to Bring Help Directly to Residents
To meet residents’ needs, The Smarter Service partnered with the SSA’s San Diego and Orange County offices to create a two-part workshop series blending education with personalized guidance. Alongside SSA representative Jennifer Miranda, we designed the program to close a common gap: older adults are often told about technology changes but rarely shown how to adapt. This series changes that, offering clear information and patient, step-by-step support so residents at The Covington can confidently use these tools.
Program details:
Part 1: Social Security Benefits Overview
📅 August 28, 2025
The SSA representative will walk residents at The Covington through retirement, disability, survivors, and spouse benefits, Medicare timelines, and available online services. Our dedicated community Tech Concierge will be there to help residents access any resources discussed.
Part 2: Creating Your Login.gov Account
📅 September 11, 2025
A “how-to” session where residents will learn how to create a “my Social Security” account through Login.gov and ID.me, guided by SSA representatives and our on-site Tech Concierge.
Optional Post-Workshop Appointments
Residents can also schedule one-on-one sessions with The Smarter Service’s on-site Tech Concierge for help completing verification, troubleshooting, and making sure they can securely access their SSA benefits online.
Please note: Workshops are exclusive to residents at The Covington and are not open to the general public
Why It Matters
At The Smarter Service, we know the world is becoming more digital every day. This shift can make services faster, more secure, and more convenient, but only when people have the skills and confidence to use them. Without the right help, older adults risk being excluded from essential resources.
Programs like this give older adults the hands-on support needed for lasting technology adoption. That adoption is what makes it possible to fully benefit from tools like the SSA’s online services, which can save time and improve access when used effectively.
By partnering with the SSA, we’re helping residents cut through the confusion, avoid long waits, and securely access their benefits. It’s just one example of how The Smarter Service works with trusted organizations to make technology more approachable for older adults at The Covington and senior living communities across the country.
These workshops are free for residents and exclusive to The Covington, but our vision extends far beyond one location. We intend to expand this program to other senior living communities nationwide — including those we currently serve and future partners seeking to strengthen tech-enabled access to benefits. We are also developing additional partnerships and programs designed to help older adults access essential services and resources.
Our work with communities like The Covington is part of our broader mission to empower older adults to thrive in today’s digital world.
If your community or residents would benefit from workshops like these or other programs to help them feel more confident with technology, we’d love to help. Contact us at info@TheSmarterService.com.