Protecting Your Social Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
At Social Security, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. We continue to evaluate and improve our robust cyber-security program to safeguard your information. The thing is, we can’t do it alone. You can help us secure your information by taking one of these steps:
- Open your personal my Social Security account. A my Social Security account is your gateway to many of our online services. Create your account today and take away the risk of someone else trying to create one in your name, even if they obtain your Social Security number.
- If you already have a my Social Security account, but haven’t signed in lately, take a moment to log in. We’ll send a one-time security code to your cell phone or to your email address each time you sign in with your username and password. The security code is part of our enhanced security feature to protect your personal information. Keep in mind that your cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply. If you suspect identity theft, report it to our Office of the Inspector General.
- If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, and you don’t want to do business with us online, you can contact us to block any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record. No one, including you, will be able to see or change your personal information on the internet or through our automated telephone service. If you block access to your record and then change your mind in the future, you can contact us and ask us to unblock it after you prove your identity. This resource is available to certain victims of domestic violence or identity theft and those who need extra security.
We will continue to do our part to protect what’s important to you. And we’ll continue to advise you on how to protect yourself.
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Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Office of the Inspector General, OIG, 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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George A.
MY MOTHER MARIE ATKINS IS APPROACHING 92 YEARS OF AGE CAN SHE CHANGE HER DIRECT DEPOSIT WITHOUT GOING TO AN OFFICE.
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, George. Social Security beneficiaries can create a my Social Security account and change their direct deposit information online. Your mother could -also- sign up for direct deposit at her bank. Please keep in mind that individuals can only create a my Social Security account using their own personal information and for their own exclusive use. You cannot create or use an account on behalf of another person, even if you have that person’s written permission.
If your mother needs help managing her Social Security benefits, you may be interested in applying to become her representative payee. As a representative payee, you will have access to your mother’s records and the ability to update her account information. A face-to-face interview is required when applying to be someone’s representative payee. If your mother cannot be present, a statement from her doctor would be helpful. The statement should say that your mother is not able to manage her Social Security benefits and identify you as the person responsible to keep her finances in order. Please read our publication: A Guide For Representative Payees for more information. If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment with the local Social Security office, please call 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!
Linda A.
I cannot get into my social security account.
I had my personal computer hacked about 2 and 1/2 week ago. Because of that I have had to change all ID’s and passwords. Except I missed getting my new bank account number changed with social security as I am receiving monthly checks now. Somehow I have messed up my login and password. What do I do?
R.F.
Hi Linda, 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. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly and explain your situation. Thanks!
kalvinmlittle
I have file for ss .so if they need anything please assit them thank you.
Ricardau E.
im on hold on the phone now for over an hour i under stand i need a replacement social security card
Ricardau E.
please i need a relace ment social security card im haveing difficulty seeing and moving around ricardau byrd 404 563 4350 404 799 0709 i been on hold on the phone for over an hour
Charles M.
Need to change my direct deposited bank acct number.
R.F.
Hi Charles, if you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
Jefferson T.
Hi, Im a first time immigrant and got my Social Security Number, My first question is how do I track or check if it is being compromise? 2nd question is, why can’t I register an account in your website, it always hows me an error message saying I need to check the information but I dont see any errors or tag as error
Thanks
R.F.
Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”.
If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, 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. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance.
We hope this helps.
patricia m.
how do I get a benefit letter
R.F.
Hi, Patricia. You can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks!
ronald h.
Need help
R.F.
Many of our services are conveniently available anytime at our website. Individuals can create a personal my Social Security account to get general information about our programs or manage their Social Security benefits. Or you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
James V.
How do I report that my social scurity card has been stolen…What can I do to protect myself from identity theft?
R.F.
To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps.