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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Lashell S.
I lost my 8 digit pin # from when I first applied for disability. Could I please get it so I can checkthe status of my claim online.
R.F.
Hi Lashell. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your account in this venue.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Thanks!
Tom
I read all I can about identity theft. I need all the help I can get. I do no on-line banking nor do I give out personal info over the phone
R.F.
See “Protecting Your Social Security Number from Identity Theft“. Thanks!
Roland B.
tried several different usernames and none of them worked. I finally gave up and don’t want to have this account, I would rather drive to the ssa office and talk to somebody who actually can help me.
R.F.
We’re sorry you’re having difficulties accessing your account, Roland. 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.
Note: Although our regular telephone service representatives are not available after 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, our Help Desk representatives can assist you until 12:00 midnight Eastern Time.
TTY (for deaf or hard of hearing) 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.: 1-800-325-0778
Peggy S.
Will.02 % be the amount to add to my 2018 SS benefit.? Ex: my present benefit is $1,429.00 would I add .02 to that to get my benefit for 2018. Per month?
Judy
I’m not sure whether I should sign up for a “my Social Security” account because our computer was hacked last month. The crooks were able to see everything on it for several days before we found out. Although I’ve changed my password, they know my user name, address, home and cell phone numbers, the answers to several potential security questions, and possibly my Social Security number.
R.F.
We understand your concern, Judy. We take protecting the public’s personal information very seriously. The information you provide when creating a my Social Security account is used to protect the privacy of your identity and your Social Security information. Using our online services to file for benefits is safe and secure.
To learn more, visit our web page: “How We Verify and Protect Your Identity“. We hope this helps!
Timothy B.
The temp number/pin should be issued on internet instead of waiting
Norma J.
Please note, require assistance. Unable to access current account. 1st attempt, was informed user name and password not recognized. Tried to create a new account and was informed “personal information has been provided before. Please help. Thank you.
R.F.
Hello Norma, 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!
Steven D.
It was very difficult to put in the numbers in time to enter my codes. I was not able to use my codes and continue to us my account.
R.F.
Hello Steven, if you are having difficulties creating 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!
Doyle R.
Thanks very much.
Thomas M.
Thomas Makos 01-01-1970 .Plase helpmy fur Travel IDA-079309439 tu return back tu the Usa fur work only S S N***-**-**** thanks thomas Germany.