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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carl m.
As soon as you log in, you are asked to verify your phone number. If my identity has been stolen, the thief would simply enter their phone number as the new contact number and get the access code.
How is the telephone number a second level of security?
Connie L.
Please help me get my account set up…..
Connie L.
I’ve been trying to get my social security acccoint set up so that I can have direct deposit…..where do I get my code number????
william a.
when trying to access my social security account the computer says that my password has expired. how do I update or change my password?
Gene
I have filled out the online application for benefits. I received an email from SSA requesting verification date to receive my benefits. She is asking me to fax her the date I want my benefits and to be sure the claim # (my social security number with an “A”) is on it.
Is this legitimate? The from address is “.gov”.
Thank you
Henry S.
Dear SS Staff,
Can you help me how to sign in to your web service?
Thanks.
Henry Seo
R.F.
Hello Henry! Sorry you are having trouble accessing our website. The site appears to be up and running!
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.
John c.
I have tried two different days to create an account in order to change my account number and routing number since my wife and I have been hacked at the bank. I know the information I entered is correct but a message comes back saying it can not match up the data I entered
R.F.
Hi John, 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. Also, you can ask one of our agents to help you change or update your direct deposit information. We hope this helps.
Carol R.
I seem to have lost or misplaced my 2017 SS statement (1099) which I nerd for taxes. Could I print one out, or have it sent to me again?
James H.
Howto change my address?
R.F.
Hi James! If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a personal my Social Security account.
Ann V.
I have a form for proof of employment form. Do I need to come in the office to return this form or can I e-mail it or make an appointment.
R.F.
Hi Ann. People who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and their representative payees can report wages securely online via the My Profile Tab through their personal my Social Security account.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients should continue to report wages through SSI Mobile Wage Reporting, SSI Telephone Wage Reporting, or by visiting a local field office.
To report work activity or to get specific guidance in regards to the employment form you need to send us, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps!