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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Alexander S.
How can I find out why my monthly SS deposit to my bank has not been posted as of yesterday, 2/13/18? It was due 2/10/18.
Jill L.
My social security number was stolen during a phishing online scam on February 14, 2018. Please advise.
R.F.
Hi Jill, if you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic.
Anne -.
I thought my payment from social security was the
2nd thursday of the month which feb payment would be the 8th. I didn’t get a check then.
R.F.
Hi Anne! See our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page. If you need further assistance, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office, thanks.
Brenda
How would I change my grandmothers direct deposit bank from one to another
R.F.
Hello Brenda! If your grandmother is receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), she can update her direct deposit information by using her personal my Social Security account.
If your grandmother needs help managing her Social Security benefits, you may be interested in applying to become her Representative Payee. If you or another relative are interested in applying to become your grandmother’s representative payee, you will need to contact your local Social Security office for a face-to-face interview. As a representative payee, you will be able to talk with us and have access to her records. In the future, it will make it easier for you to update her account information.
We understand how inconvenient this may be, but we hope that you understand our role in protecting everyone’s personal information.
If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment, please call 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 week, thanks.
Alice H.
I have changed my email address since moving to Ellijay, Georgia. Therefore, I am not receiving the bulletins and updates I used to receive on a regular basis at ahmilam@att.net. Now I cannot find a way to get this information to you without holding on the phone for a long time. Can you please suggest how I can speed up the process I miss the bulletins.
Trina F.
i need assistance with setting up my account
R.F.
Hi Trina, if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Erika D.
Where is my Social Security check, this month, February?
R.F.
Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
Ken F.
I’ve been trying to access my account the last few weeks. It keeps denying me entrance ” cannot access at this time ” If my account is compromised I would be notified ?
vahak t.
Dear social security,
When i want to sign in it takes too long to get conected
it says this site cant not be reach. in the past i did sign
in no problem. Thank you in advance greatly appreciate
that.
Warm Regards
vahak timas
vahak t.
Dear social security,
When i want to sign in it takes too long to get conected
it says this site cant not be reach. in the past i did sign
in no problem. Thank you in advance greatly appreciate
that.
Warm Regards
vahak timas