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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Lorelei K.
Our checking account was hacked so we had to open a new one. The old one will be open for a little more time. How do I change the direct deposit information for the new account for my husband and me?
Mine is usually done on 25th of month and my husband’s 8th of month.
R.F.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!
Loretta B.
Am I entitled to any benefits being that I have Native American Heritage in my blood line
R.F.
Hi Loretta, please visit our “American Indians and Alaska Native (AIAN)” web page for information on this topic. Thanks!
Richard L.
Do I qualify for some of my ex-wife’s SS monthly benefits.
We were married for over 26 years and are both 69 years now. She has re-married..I have not. I supported her through her completion of college.
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Richard. If your marriage lasted 10 years or longer, you may receive benefits on your ex-spouse’s record, even if they have remarried. Please keep in mind, if you qualify for retirement benefits on your own record and divorced spouse’s benefits, we pay the retirement benefit first. If the benefit on your ex-spouse’s record is higher, you will get an additional amount on your ex-spouse’s record so that the combination of benefits equals that higher amount. To see if you qualify for a higher benefit than what you are currently receiving, contact a Social Security representative. Please call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
See our Retirement Planner: If You’re Divorced for other eligibility requirements and more detailed information. Thanks!
Richard L.
I need information about applying for my divorced spouses Social Security benefits. I was married for over 26 years and am now 69. My spouse and I have been divorced for 23 years..Do I qualify for any of her SS benefits. She is a college graduate and retired from teaching. I suspect she made more money than I did and is therefore receiving more SS monthly income. I supported her and paid her expenses thru her completion of college. Do I qualify???
Mary E.
I got my cola letter about ten days ago but my spouse didn’t get his yet. What do we need to do?
R.F.
Thanks for your question, Mary. The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices for 2018 are mailed during the month of December, so please continue to look out for it in the mail.
Remember. if you or your spouse need proof you get Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security (SSI) Income or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks!
Harvey B.
I only want to change my address and I am not having any success.
R.F.
Hello Harvey. If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. 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. Thanks!
Jane E.
I would like to appeal the decision of my disability claim. beaachie@yahoo.com
R.F.
Hi Jane, we are sorry to hear that your application for disability benefits did not go the way you had hoped. Social Security wants to be sure that the decision made about your disability claim is correct. If you do not agree with our decision, you have the right to file an appeal. You must make a request within 60 days from the date you received your notice of denial. For more information on the appeals process, please visit our Appeal Processing publication on our website. We hope this helps !
Susan P.
My Chase Bank in Santa Monica has NEVER oyt my S,S, and treasury in a seperate area even though it was direct deposit. I have told them about the rule 5 times.. When I saw $6500. come in one month, I almost got sick, For now any vendor can touch it. IF IT IS A LAW, what can you do to help me redeem it. I joined a new bank last week. But my S.S. is gone, and there are 2 frauds. Any way you can help me or do I need to get a lawyer. I was ahead $25000, now I am minus $8000. Then they closed my two accounts. using my money at least 10 times without my authority for the charge card, $3000 that another Chase bank thought they helped me with, and they did NOTHING about a $1000. fraud check. I filed a police report. I have to pay people back for I had broken my right hand….9 bones….and feel on my back. IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET MY MONEY BACK? They also had the nerve to call business that I go to, and ask for their money back. Please advise me. We got to be near $6000. Susan Paulus Please contact me as soon as possible. I need money to live on. And they broke the law numerous times.
Summer313
The bank information that you gave to SSA is where they will deposit your benefits. Chase Bank does not decide where to deposit the funds nor does it just hide the funds for you. You need to make sure your correct banking information is filed with social security.
Nuta I.
How do you compute the 2.0% for the increase? I multiplied 2.0% by my previous monthly amount and got a completely new monthly number.
Summer313
MY amount is exactly the same after the raise. But, look at Medicare premium and see if that changed. That is where my complete raise went to.
david G.
My social security is being posted on the internet without my permission
I also receive Medicare and these people are also putting that on the internet without my permission. Plus these two people are putting my picture on the internet without my permission. Is there anything you can do to help me with this.