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

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Comments

  1. Jenny N.

    Thank you for such vast information. Well done!
    I am grateful for not required to go to SSA office to find the answer I am looking for.

    • V.V.

      Thank you, Jenny! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and your satisfaction is our reward.

  2. jorge a.

    busco mi numero de segurosocial este es mi numero de imigrante residente A042890765

  3. Charlie M.

    My name charlie m HARRELL Jr somebody is stalking me please help the note they send is wrong and 403 charlie been hack somebody cut my brake line to and house was on fire

  4. Richard M.

    Address up date:
    Mailing address NC 27519
    Resident address Cary NC 27513

    • V.V.

      Hi Richard. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.

      If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

      If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.

      Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email.

  5. Chloe R.

    I received a letter with a temporary password. Where is the information to set a new password?

    • V.V.

      Hi Chloe: Once you get the temporary password, use it to sign in to your account and reset your password. After you’ve successfully logged in with the temporary password, go to the Security Settings page and select “Update Password”.

  6. mark b.

    have been blocked for access because mixed up higher and lower case letters on username

    • V.V.

      Hi Mark. We are sorry that you are having trouble accessing your my Social Security account.

      If you are locked out, you can 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”. We hope this information helps.

  7. Carla T.

    My husband, Barry Turner, SS#*** – ** – ***, passed away on October 6, 2018. I was told I would receive a $255 Death Benefit in 3 to 4 weeks. It has now been 3 months and I have not received it. What do I need to do?

    • K.O.

      Hello Carla. We are sorry to hear about your loss. For your security, we do not have access to personal information via this blog. We ask that you continue to work with your local field office with specific questions relating to your case. We hope this helps. Thanks

  8. nagahoki

    Thanks For Content dude
    http://112.140.185.132/

  9. order l.

    This is a great post.

  10. Lea

    As soon as Kaliena is clear she takes a couple steps away, making sure she’s well out of
    the casual splash zone around the pool, and, moving carefully, slips out of her
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