Frauds & Scams, Online Services

Protecting Your Social Security

September 15, 2017 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

man and woman sitting at table, looking at laptop

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. Genova T.

    Hello, I’m disabled with a claim pending out of the Evanston IL office, I have NO income, NO financial assistance. NO Car fare, And has been denied Govt. Cash Assistance . I’d like to Apply for Interim Assistance, please mail me the Application, or an Appointment at your Nearest Office to me. I’m Human and in need of Financial Assistance. Genova T. McAllister, mailing address 2652 W. 13th street Chicago, IL apt. 202 W. 60608. Govt cell has NO minutes. Thank you.

  2. Jacqueline O.

    I receive Social Security payments (directly deposited to my bank account). There are deposits made for health services, but I do not know which service provider.
    I would like a more detailed report of which agency/company receives direct payments and how much for each.
    I have never confirmed this information about medical providers to receive direct deductions, which seems to me to be a huge omission.
    Jacqueline O’Connor
    POB 2552
    Sierra Vista, AZ 85636
    520-335-1799

    • R.F.

      For general information on Medicare services, go to http://www.Medicare.gov or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!

  3. Harold H.

    I do not have security code that is needed to sign in to my account

  4. JoAnne B.

    My checking account has been hacked and I need to give you the new account information for my automatic deposit. I’m nervous about entering all that info that you ask for to set up an account.

    • R.F.

      Hello JoAnne. If you already receive benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account. In addition, you can decide when your change will take effect.
      This service is not currently available for people who receive SSI or do not have a U.S. mailing address.
      If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can start or update direct deposit by contacting your bank.
      You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and ask one of our agents to assist you. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. We hope this information helps!

  5. Allan N.

    Allan Nairns socioal security monthly benefit has gotten into a wrong persons hands, he depends on that money every month and needs it back immidately.

  6. CHARLES W.

    I could NOT find any way to log out or exit on this site. I logged in as usual , asked to have a new card sent and then could not log out

  7. Linda L.

    My social security number may have become compromised. Help!

  8. Carolyn C.

    My online account has been suspended after trying to put my password in. I have been on the phone for hours
    trying to get someone to help me. They come on the phone and then they hang up on me, and then I have to start all over again. They even try call my number while I am waiting on them. It comes up on my TV. They don’t give a call back so you can give a review on them. How sad.

  9. Gary T.

    I’m on disability when apply for retirement

    • R.F.

      Social Security disability benefits (SSDI), automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same.

  10. David B.

    How can I retrieve my username and password for My Social Security

    • R.F.

      For assistance with your “my Social Security” account, please call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline. To reach this hotline, 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!

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