General, Online Services

my Social Security 101: When You Need Additional Help With Your Account

May 20, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Sometimes we need help with or have questions about our online accounts. For your convenience, we want to share some frequently asked questions you may find helpful with your personal my Social Security account needs.

What if I forgot my username or password?

It happens to all of us on occasion. We can’t remember our username or password. If you’ve forgotten your username or password – perhaps even both – we have you covered. Visit our my Social Security Sign In page and select “Forgot Username” or “Forgot Password.” Follow the prompts, and in just a few minutes you will be back in business – Social Security business.

What if I am locked out of my account?

Your account may be locked because you – or perhaps someone else – entered inconsistent or incorrect information. We lock your account to protect your information. If you are locked out of your account, you can call our my Social Security Help Desk at 1-800-772-1213 from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. When you call, say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt.

How can I block access to my account?

We know that in certain instances, like for victims of domestic violence or identity theft, you may want to block access to your information.  You can choose to block any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record. When you do this, no one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information online or through our automated telephone service.

Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or call your local Social Security office if you need to block access to your record. You can find the number for your local office using our Office Locator. If you change your mind in the future, you can contact us and ask us to unblock it.

What if I live overseas?

At this time, you must have a United States mailing address to create a personal my Social Security account. People with an overseas APO/FPO/DPO address can create an account, but our system does not yet support registration for users with a foreign address. However, you may be able to access our services by creating an ID.me account. ID.me is a Single Sign-On provider that meets the U.S. government’s most rigorous requirements for online identity proofing and authentication. On our my Social Security account set up page, select Sign in with ID.me and follow the link to create an ID.me account.

We recommend that people living outside the U.S. contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or U.S. embassy for any assistance related to our programs and benefits. Our Office of Earnings and International Operations page also has more information.

What if I need additional help?

We’re happy to help with any difficulties you’re having with your personal my Social Security account. For assistance, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Lines are open from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. Please say “Help Desk” at the voice prompt. You can also contact your local Social Security office.

We encourage you to sign up for your personal my Social Security account if you haven’t done so. Please share this information with your family and friends—and help us spread the word on social media.

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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

  1. Derrick B.

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  2. lars

    A month because I was late signing up, but I had insurance Thur my husband work did know I needed to
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  5. Michael

    I am currently working part time and began collecting monthly SS benefits earlier this year. I provided SS my estimated 2021 total annual earnings, which was under the maximum allowed threshold. My circumstances have changed and although as I write this I have earned less than the original estimated reported annual amount, there are still 6 months to go. I now anticipate earning more by the end 2021 than what I initially reported when I applied for benefits . How do I go about revising my estimated total year 2021 earnings. My work schedule varies weekly and as a result each paycheck gross varies according to the hours I work weekly, so it’s difficult to provide an exact year end total earnings figure. But I am reasonably certain based on the 1st 6 months year to date earnings that I am going to exceed the original estimate provided when I applied for benefits. I don’t want to run afoul of any rules or worse, incur punitive penalties.
    Please advise as to best way to proceed. Begin to provide monthly gross payment amounts upon exceeding original annual earnings estimate? Provide a revised total 2021 gross income amount immediately or …when?

  6. Michael

    I am currently working part time and began collecting monthly SS benefits earlier this year. I provided what I believed at my estimated total annual earnings, at the time under the maximum allowed threshold. My circumstances have changed and although as I write this I have earned less than the reported annual amount, but there are still 6 months to go. I now anticipate earning more than what I initially reported at the end of 2021. How do I go about revising my estimated total year 2021 earnings. My work schedule varies, each paycheck gross varies according to the hours I work weekly, so it’s difficult to provide an exact year end total earnings figure. But I am reasonably certain based on the 1st 6 months year to date earnings that I am going to exceed the original estimate provided when I applied for benefits. I don’t want to run afoul of any rules or worse, incur punitive penalties.
    Please advise as to best way to proceed. Begin to provide monthly gross payment amounts upon exceeding original annual earnings estimate? Provide a revised total 2021 gross income amount , but when?

    • Michael

      Please see correct email below

    • V.V.

      Hi Michael, thanks for using our blog. You can call us to provide an updated estimate. You can call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

  7. King E.

    I am in the process of building a new house and I need a copy of my 2020 award letter, as soon as possible. Request urgent response, document is needed for Closing. Thanks!

    • V.V.

      Hi King, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.

  8. Carolyn W.

    I’m being cut a almost as much as I draw, around 299. A month because I was late signing up, but I had insurance Thur my husband work did know I needed to

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  10. Tony

    Hello – Is SSA still experiencing processing delay to mail out SS card request such as replacement card?

    – I read and article date December 2020 from SSA website.

    • Tony

      * an
      * dated

      Sorry for the misspellings

Comments are closed.