Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

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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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Comments

  1. Willie G.

    My Social Security check was not deposited in my account for March and February. I would like to know why.

  2. michael s.

    I’ve tried to open a my social security account but it tells me they can’t open an account using my ssn number.

  3. Mohamed A.

  4. Joyce L.

    need a secured site to get help when you can’t get into your online account.. I tried to get in my account with the information I have , answered all the questions but still couldn’t get on line

    • 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!

  5. Gloria r.

    My husband passed away 2017, i did not receive his w-2 for tax purposes. How can i get the amounts so i can file income tax?

    • R.F.

      We are sorry for your loss, Gloria. To check the status of your husband’s W-2, you should contact his employer’s human resource or personnel office.
      If you are referring to the SSA-1099 showing the amount of benefits paid to him last year and the amount of any voluntary Federal tax withheld, you will need to go into the local Social Security office with proper identification and supporting documents to make a request for a replacement SSA-1099.
      In certain cases, we may disclose SSA-1099 information from the record of a deceased person, only to a survivor of the deceased and only if we are able to establish the relationship of the survivor to the deceased based on SSA records. We hope this information helps.

  6. Gail M.

    I want to get my social security benefits at this age of 63 years old.

  7. Gail M.

    I want to speak someone regarding to get my social security benefits.

  8. leon m.

    I am trying to find out if the proper amount is being withheld from my social security for medicare part A &B.
    I find it odd that I am paying more each month than my wife and believe there must be some mistake. Is it possible for someone to get in touch to confirm the amounts withheld are correct without waiting 55 minutes for a representative over the phone

    • R.F.

      We apologize for the long wait, Leon. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume.
      You will need to ask one of our representatives to review your record and provide an explanation in regards to your Medicare premiums. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog.
      In most cases, you’re eligible for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) at no cost. In 2018 the standard Part B premium amount is $134, current law requires higher-income beneficiaries to pay higher premiums for Part B and prescription drug coverage. See our publication Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficiaries for more information.
      When calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
      You can use our local office search to find your local Social Security office and its hours of operation. Thanks!

  9. douglas i.

    I seem not got my account to work why

    • R.F.

      Hello Douglas, 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!

  10. PRIntis s.

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