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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PRIntis s.
Need address change update 503 west Jones Street Winnfield Louisiana 71483 license number ***-**-****
DavidT
Hello,
My SSA account was set up with an old email address that I no longer have access to. I have the user name but the problem is I don’t remember my password to login to MY ACCOUNT. The way things are right now, after I tried several different possible passwords, the system blocks me from trying any further. It’s really frustrating. My question is how do I revoke my current login (with the old email address) so that I can start a new login with my current email address? To ask the question in another way, how do I cancel my current login and start a new login registration?
Thank you.
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. Thanks!
Cynthia
I received a letter stating I used your on line service to set up an account. I did not do this. The phone number listed to call is 800-772-1213. Is this a correct contact number or a scam?
R.F.
Representatives at our toll free number: 1-800-772-1213, are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. If you need assistance with a “my Social Security” account, at the voice prompt, say “helpdesk” and speak to one of our agents. Thanks!
Michael E.
I need a award letter, how do I go about getting one sent to me, I retired in 2006 from Ford Motor Co.
R.F.
Hello Michael, if you need proof you get Social Security benefits, or Medicare, you can request a benefit verification letter online by using your my Social Security account. Thanks!
John P.
I’m having a great deal of trouble creating an account
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!
stephen j.
my wife and i have been spammed and my wife uses on line banking. we would like to reset our social security benefit checks so no one can break into them.
Amelita E.
I need my change of Address. I need your help because I can not get help from any body. I am 87 yrs. old. I am affraid I cannot receive mail from Social Security!,,,, My Address before: 5100 Overland Ave. #277 , Culver City,Ca 90230 My Address now: 5100 Overland Ave.#210 , Culver City, CA 90230
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Amelita. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot update your records. If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account. Or by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. 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. We hope this information helps.
Diane R.
I have direct deposit into my bank account, but I have change the account number because of opened bank account statements, how do I give SS my new account number.
R.F.
Hi Diane, please see our Frequently Asked Questions for information on this topic. Thanks!
Moses T.
My 2015 Taxed Total Security/Medicare Earnings of $45,306 is yet to be corrected, as per requested! Thanks.
R.F.
Hi Moses. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, 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. Thanks.
Zikomo N.
Where do I get my activation code?
R.F.
Hello Zikomo, we will send a one-time security code to your cell phone or to your email address each time you sign in to your personal My Social Security account, 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 are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance. Representatives area available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk“. Thanks!