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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Donna B.
Answered all questions with “none of the above” answers. System won’t allow me to set up my social security account.please explain why. All answers are truthful and do not pertain to me.
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience, Donna. 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. Thanks!
Patricia M.
I just tried to open a “my social security” account & first got a reply that I could not do so; when I tried a second time, I got a notice that electronic access to my account has been suspended. I tried to call, and got a recording that there was no one available to help. I am concerned that my account has been compromised and need to find out and fix the problem. Please respond.
R.F.
We are sorry to hear that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone, Patricia. We are experiencing higher than normal call volume.
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. Thanks!
Martha M.
Where can I go to view my monthly benefit amount?
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Martha. You can create a my Social Security account online. With your personal my Social Security account, you can manage your Social Security benefits, to include viewing and printing a benefit verification letter.
Yolanda B.
Only I want to put my permanent password
Lonnie s.
I was informed that I can register for social security benefits on my 64.5 birthday, as an intent to receive benefits later. Can this b done on line? Or do I have to go to a SS office?
R.F.
Hello Lonnie! Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance and your payments are established almost immediately after we process your application.
You may start receiving Social Security Retirement Benefits as early as age 62 or as late as age 70. However, if you decide to get benefits before your full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced.
When ready, you can apply for your benefits online at any time now.
Remember that benefits are paid the month after they are due. So, for instance, if you want your benefits to begin with the month of April, you will receive your first benefit payment in May.
Individuals who are 65 or older and not ready to start their monthly cash benefits yet, can sign up for Medicare ONLY and apply for their retirement benefits later. We hope this information helps!
Richard C.
Good morning can we go paperless in regards to so security mailings etc. ?
Richard Welsh
Yesenia a.
My and my duaghter card is stolen. What can i do.
R.F.
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card. Also, visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more important information. Thanks!
john h.
wHEN SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT, I hit the esc key and now I am locked out of setting up my account.
Also on tab to initial in setup, it does not go direct to the field as is conventional operating procedure on the internet.
R.F.
Hello John. 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. Thanks!
Terry C.
What can I do to access my online account when I cannot remember my user name or password & I no longer have access to the email address I used to set up the account?
R.F.
Hello Terry! 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. Thanks.
Lynn C.
I also need a password to get into my SS account as I have never received one would truly like to be able to get into my account. Maybe I could find out why my monthly SS checks have been reduced $350 to 400 amonth????????????t
R.F.
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.