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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Kathi
I apparently blocked my account and it says “if you change your mind you can contact the SS dept and they can unblock it once you have proven your identity.” Had I known that the only way to unblock is to go the SS building I would have not blocked it! Who has time to go and do that?! I gave my SS #,DOB,place of birth,mothers maiden name , apparently not enough to identify me.UGH
R.F.
Hello Kathi. Yes, sometimes you will need to go to your local Social Security office for assistance. However, we may be able to help you if you call our dedicated “my Social Security-Hotline”. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), at the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”. The help desk will be available to callers Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Thanks!
Randall B.
The same with me
Mary S.
This is HORRIBLE. There is not visible way to get help when sign-on id and password does not work. When I enter my information SS# I am not recognized and there is no provision to get help. Finally locate the basic phone # and 40 minute wait… While I wait my fears of my account being taken over is very disturbing since I still have ALL my records of my last ID, PW and personal security questions that you seem to no longer use.
R.F.
Hello Mary. We’re sorry to hear that you had difficulty accessing your account. If you are still having trouble accessing your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline for assistance. To reach this hotline, call 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”. Sometimes it may be better to contact your local Social Security office.
We hope this information helps.
Mary W.
How do I get a replacement 1099?
R.F.
Hello Mary, you can get a replacement Form SSA-1099, quickly and easily by using your personal my Social Security account. Thanks!
Delavar G.
Two days ago, I received an email from SSA to review my SS statement and see if everything is ok. FYI, I live in BC, Canada and my mailing address is the same. However, when I went to the site of the SSA, it asked me my email address and home address, to verify me as a legitimate user. But the system does not have a British Columbia (BC) as a State, so it did not recognize me and kicked me out of the system. I do not know HOW to communicate with you. You could send the needed code to log in to my email address indicated below:
shenasd9@gmail.com
Please also tell me how can I view/read your messages having a non-US address.
Thank you for your help.
Delavar Ghadrshenass
24-2435 Kelly Avenue
Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1Y3
(604) 817-4689
shenasd9@gmail.com
Yvonne M.
My card is so old and it has been torn and I cannot find it.
Can I please get a replacement?
Yvonne M.
I need a replacement card.
R.F.
Hi Yvonne, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important.
To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
We hope this helps!
R.F.
To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. Thanks!
Yolaida M.
I received SSI.Can I do my annual recertification for Food Stamps on line.
godwin e.
application for my child under 18god
Dan C.
I was laid off this past February 2018 from my job. In March 2018, I turned 65 so I decided to apply for my Social Security Benefits. I started receiving my Benefits in April of 2018. My Company contated me to say that they could offer me a part time position which I accepted.
In April 2018. The part time turned into full time with my same company. I looked into suspending my SS until 2019 , I went to my local office and they had me fill out the paper work to stop my benefits. I received a bill in the mail for 8,400 dollars in payments to pay back to SS and wait until 2019 to restart my benefits again. Roseville California SS office said that I had three months to pay back what was issued to me.
I made all efforts to try to apply for a loan to pay back the SS money that I used to pay my rent and bills however the Bank would not give me a loan and I’m maxed out on my credit card. What can I do to get you back the money? I have $5,000 of the money but not all of it. What can I do to fix my financial situation that and pay back the payment issued to me or continue to collect and pay 3 dollars over the 17K cap and work full time? Can you please give some advice please? i have only 8 months left then I turn 66 yrs for me to be able to collect 100% of my payment.
Thank you again for your assistance.
Dan Catanio
Roseville California.
R.F.
Hello Dan. Our guidelines require that when a beneficiary requests a withdrawal of his or her claim, he or she must repay all benefits he or she received, before we approve the withdrawal request.
Please continue working with your local office. Our representatives in the local office will provide you with the best guidance in 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 in the week. Thanks.
Karen
I need to know what I need to do about someone using my social security number and info to try to open accounts and credit cards. I have filed a police report and the officer told me to contact you
R.F.
Hello Karen, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!
Paula K.
I tried to log in to request a bank acct. change for my automatic deposit. Not sure what to do next. please call me at 760 476-9115. If I’m not logged in please let me know or cancel
R.F.
Hello Paula. Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog. If you’re still having trouble accessing 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 for assistance.
Any of our representatives can help you update the direct deposit information on your record.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks!