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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Jamar
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G
My elderly mother doesn’t have a computer so she can’t set up a mySocialSecurity online account. Is there a non-electronic way to protect her SSN?
R.F.
Social Security takes protecting the public’s personal information very seriously. To protect your privacy and your Social Security information, our representatives are required to use an identity verification process when providing services to beneficiaries and the general public. The Privacy Act prohibits Federal agencies from disclosing personal information without the person’s consent, except under certain conditions. Please visit our Privacy Program web page for more information. Thanks.
Roberta P.
I am not able to redo my password. I just opened an acct w you
R.F.
Hi Roberta, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Robertapollock
I am not able to redo my password. I just opened an account w you
Timothy E.
I have attempted to set up a mySocialSecurity account as you suggest but each time I am told you do not recognize me. Even when I put in that I cannot remember my login name! I am anxious to make my SS info more secure, please tell me how to do this.
R.F.
Hi Timothy, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!
Marisol P.
Hi I have a question my mom filed a retirement form and her date of retirement is sep 29 she wanted to know if she could still work even though her retirement day is Sep 29 20171
R.F.
Hi, Marisol. Individuals can still work and receive their Social Security retirement benefits at the same time. However, if they are younger than full retirement age and make more than the yearly earnings limit, we will reduce their benefit. To learn more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page or read “How Work Affects Your Benefits”. If your mother has additional questions, she should call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and speak with one of our representatives. Thanks!
Brittney G.
I need help on trying to get a disability card. I been getting the paper check and every month it gets harder and harder for me to receive in the mail. It comes in the mail but the mail man just isn’t on time with the mail. Please help me get a disability card. Also I’m unable to make a account. Thank you!
J.Y.
Hi Brittney. The Social Security Administration does not issue disability cards. Direct Express may be an option for you. Typically, there are no sign-up fees or monthly account fees. Many other card services are free. Additional information about the Direct Express card is available at http://www.USDirectExpress.com. Or you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further 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 in the week. We hope this helps.
Louise M.
I’ve been trying I went in and they gave me a number to get back in but it don’t work the number is 22828923 what can I do to get back in to my App.
R.F.
Hi Louise, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or contact your local Social Security office directly.
Louise M.
I would like to know how I can file for early retierment
J.Y.
Thanks for your question. The earliest age you can get Retirement Benefits is 62. However, if you choose to get benefits before your full retirement age, they will be reduced.
Your full retirement age is determined by your year of birth. You can check out our Retirement Planner: Benefits By Year Of Birth to understand why some people have different full retirement ages and what those ages are.
You can create a my Social Security account to review estimates of your retirement, disability, and survivors benefits, your earnings record, and the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. Our system is set up to take applications three months in advance. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment with your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting, it also establishes a protective filing date. However, you can right now complete the online application for your Social Security retirement benefits in as little as 15 minutes. It’s so easy, you can apply from the comfort of your home or office at a time most convenient for you. Representatives at our toll-free number are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. They can assist you with your application online. Generally, it’s best if you call later in the day or later in the week. We hope this helps!
Heather N.
My spouse does not have an email address…Can my spouse use the same email address I used to set up my account? Our is that individual to each account and be rejected.
R.F.
Hello Heather, for assistance with creating a personal my Social Security account, call our “help desk” at 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk”, and speak to one of our representatives. Thanks!