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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Lynn C.
I am trying to get to a section where I can find out why my social security has been reduced recently about $350 to $400 less per month? I have been living below poverty level, but now its at the bottom of below poverty level. I cannot make it from month to month at less than what I was getting. I still have rent, I have to pay half of electricity, heat, phone, and I have to help pay for logs to heat along with fuel oil for heating! What section can I do this in? to whom can I refer to about this situation? What can I do?
R.F.
You will need to speak to a Social Security representative, Lynn. 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. Or contact your local office. Thanks.
Kathryn W.
I’ve always been told that I should not give out my Social Security number to anyone. I recently tried to apply for a credit card and was told that Federal regulations required my SS#. Is this true, and if so, what exactly is that regulation?
Thank you in advance for clearing this up.
R.F.
Great question, Kathryn. Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her Social Security number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law. Sometimes they will issue a different number if you ask.
See “Protecting Your Social Security” for more information. Thanks!
mathew r.
still starving
michael j.
try to change my password and temporary one they sent me didnt work so no i am blocked from my account
R.F.
We are sorry for the inconvenience, Michael. If you’re still having problems creating or accessing your account, please 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.
mathew r.
starving
mathew r.
most bullshit ive ever been through thanks..i don’t even know who I am I’m like a piece of skinn
Harald S.
The idea to have a mySS account is great. But when I read the conditions, I found out that I would not receive a paper statement in the mail. That’s a deal breaker: I don’t trust the internet. It never works when you really need it.
So, no thanks!
joy a.
I have a ss account, however, it wont let me get into it anymore. it says my username and password are incorrect. how do i get this fixed so i can access my account again?
R.F.
Hi Joy, if you are having difficulties with accessing your 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. Thanks!
Jill E.
I am worried, my purse was stolen and my SS card was in it. I have not received my benefit this month. I did receive it in January.
Thanks, Jill Dixon
R.F.
To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number & Card” web page.
See our Schedule of Social Security Payments web page to see Payment Dates.
To report a missing payment, 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!
Beverly Z.
this is in response to a letter dated 1/30/2018in reference to Walter J Zuk *** – ** – ***. He passed away on 12/26/2017. We received a payment for $2320.00 to his checking account 1/10/2018. You redrafted that amount from his checking account on 1/24/2018. I now have a letter stating I owe $2320.00 for Jan. Please contact me regarding this. Phone 850 501-9109
R.F.
Hello Beverly. Keep in mind that Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due. For example, if the person dies in December, you must return the benefit paid in January. Generally, the banks will automatically return any funds received for the month of death or later. However, some of the deceased’s family members may be eligible to receive survivors benefits. You cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide an explanation.
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.