Adding Additional Security to Protect What’s Important to You
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Social Security continues to evaluate and improve how we protect what’s important to you. We take this responsibility seriously, and we have a robust cyber-security program in place to help protect the personal information you entrust to us. Adding additional security measures to safeguard your personal information — but making them easy to use — is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure.
Beginning June 10, 2017, we will use a second method to check the identification of my Social Security account holders when they register or sign in. This is in addition to the first layer of security, a username and password. Right now, you don’t have to do anything for this new process. But you may want to sign in to your account to make sure you remember your username and password. Then, when you sign in on or after June 10, you will be able to choose either your cell phone or your email address as your second identification method. Using two ways to identify you when you log on will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud.
Since my Social Security became available in May 2012, more than 30 million people have created an account. We have always offered this second layer of protection, but only for customers who opted to use it.
Last summer, we added a second way for us to check your identity when you registered or signed in to my Social Security . However, at that time, we only allowed the use of a cell phone as your second identification method. We listened to your concerns, and beginning on June 10, you can choose either your cell phone or your email address as the second way for us to identify you. Since an email address is already required to use my Social Security , everyone can continue to benefit from the features my Social Security provides.
We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. This new security advancement is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety of the resources entrusted to us. If you plan to select email as your second method, you can ensure that the one-time security code email does not go into your spam or junk folder by adding NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list.
In addition to these security enhancements, we’ll also upgrade the look and feel of my Social Security , in an effort to create an enhanced customer experience. The my Social Security portal will automatically adjust to the size of the screen and kind of device you are using – such as a tablet, smart phone, or computer. No matter what type of device you choose, you will have full, easy-to-use access to your personal my Social Security account.
Our new my Social Security design puts you in control — whether you’re using a computer, smart phone, or tablet.
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Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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tina c.
Darlene harris work address is 9202springhill lane greenbelt md 20770 .my two oldest kids names that paymets was stolen are .tyrese armani lane and daughter name is cearia monique lane they were getting monthly survivors check on 3rd of everymonth in 2017 it was for $222.00and january 2018it was for $227.00a piece. Mines in 2017$735.00and january 1,2018was $750.00monthly on 1st of every month
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. One of our representatives should be able to assist you. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
tina c.
My social security benefits payment was stolen out my account on 12-29-2017.and stolen out both my kids two seprate checks on 1-2-2018.i want more security done to protect my monthly payments i get and my kids get on out greendot card.ms.darlene evette harris property manager has stolen y and my kids benefits out our account off greendot cards. For dec.29,2017and 1-2-2018.those monies needs to put back on my card.my mailin address is p.o.box 31542 capital heights md 20743.darlene evette harris address is 1553 42nd street southeast washington d.c.20020.
Kathleen D.
I am trying to set up My Account and when I get to the second page of security questions, none pertain to me. My credit report was intermingled by fault of the credit bureaus several years ago and i have spend hours on the phone trying to get the issue resolved but to no avail. What can I do to get the issued resolved with SSA?
Ramona O.
This happened to a friend recently. He thinks his Experian credit report is either faulty or his SS# has been hacked, because he answered all the questions correctly and was not able to set up his account. He had to go to a local SS office to prove his identity and get set up.
barry d.
you led me to believe a security code was going to be emailed to me. Where is it? Very frustrating. If you tried it yourself, you would understand
Casie
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Carole K.
My son has been approved for his disability and Ive been appointed his payee but they mailed his Direct Express card to the wrong address. This was on December 4th, 2017. We are still waiting for his money and his card. The social security office has told us to contact direct express office, but they will not take our calls. We have no way to get access to his much needed money so that he can see his doctor and get his medication. This is EXTREMELY frustrating abd upsetting. He needs his money.Please help???
R.F.
We’re sorry to hear of this inconvenience, Carole. However, we do not have access to personal records via this blog. You may want to call Treasury’s Direct Express enrollment number at 1-800-333-1795 (TTY: 1-866-569-0447); or continue working with your local office. If you are unable to visit your local servicing office, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day. Thanks.
Gregory A.
I have been trying to get disability scene 2012. And repeatedly been denied all of a sudden they tell me I am getting. Ssi. And I get 2 check try to set up an account with my social security. And can not even do that it seams that I am not anyone can’t be found yet they want to know if I find a dime on the ground so it can be deducted from my next check well then why is it I can’t get a straight answer from any one oh wait it must be the fact that. Something in the system is wrong and it not on my end
Regards
G .Anders
J.Y.
Hi Gregory. If you are having difficulty creating a my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” please say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. To locate your local office, please visit http://go.usa.gov/Z4fT.
Noah S.
I tried to create a my Social Security account, but keep getting an error message that says ‘We can’t verify your identity. Please correct the information and try again.’
I’ve entered all my information correctly.
What gives?
George a.
i try to log in with the correct user name and password, the site tells me i am locked out after trying 3 times. the last time this happened i had to contact someone. i understand about the security code it is suppose to send to my cell phone,however it did not show me this option this time. i rarely use this on line service,but when i do,i have problems. like i said,correct user name and password,and i still have problems. i find no options,and i always have to call for assistance,thank you,George.
R.F.
Hi George, long periods of inactivity may be the cause of the problem. Please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Ruth A.
I already had a my ss account online but failed to update with my mobile number. Will I be able to sign in? I tried earlier but typed the wrong password too many times today.
please advise.
.
R.F.
Hello Ruth. You can speak to a Social Security representative for help with a my Social Security account between the hours of 7 a.m. and 12 midnight (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday. Toll-free: 1-800-772-1213 After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” please say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.: 1-800-325-0778.