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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Alfredo G.
when i was trying to create a account it asked me some questions like bank account and loans got scared and stopped . wonder if that was normal?
V.V.
Hi Alfredo, thank you for checking in with us. One of our most important responsibilities is protecting your investment and personal information. Social Security takes this responsibility very seriously, and we have a robust cybersecurity program in place to help us succeed. Our security process follows federal guidelines that includes additional security measures so we can be sure that you are who you say you are when you conduct online business with us.
To create a my Social Security account, you must give us your identifying information and answer security questions to pass verification. First, we match the personal information you give us with the data we have in our records. Then, we use our Identity Services Provider to further verify your identity.
Josephine L.
I need to change my bank account number for my direct deposit. I can’t seem to get through by phone or on internet.
V.V.
Hi Josephine. Thanks for the question. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability), you can start or update your direct deposit information by using your personal my Social Security account.
If receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or unable to conduct business online, you can start or update your direct deposit by contacting the bank, credit union, or savings and loan association or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information.
Kaylee S.
I can’t access my. Online account
V.V.
Hi Kaylee, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account.
For assistance with your 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.
Kimberly c.
I need a copy of. My w2 tax statement for 2018
V.V.
Thanks for your question, Kimberly. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to obtain a copy of your W-2.
If you’re referring to your SSA-1099, check out our Replacement SSA-1099 web page.
Andres E.
To whom it may concern, I have received a robo call twice today that states that it is from the SSA and that my social has been terminated due to suspicious activities. I would assume SSA will contact in writing to my address on file for something like this right?
V.V.
Hi Andres: If the caller is claiming to be from Social Security—it is critical that you pay attention to the tone and content of the message from the caller. In some cases, the caller states that Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number (SSN), on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or they threaten that Social Security will terminate your benefits if they do not confirm your information. This appears to be a widespread issue, as reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security, we urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information such as your SSN or bank account information. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who calls you, and never send the stranger money via wire transfer or gift cards.
Social Security employees will never threaten you for information; they will not state that you face potential arrest or other legal action if you fail to provide information or pay a fee. In those cases, the call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report.
Diane J.
how do I check status of my recent application?
A.C.
Hi, Diane. Thanks for your question. If you have a confirmation number from when you applied, you can check the status of your application by accessing your personal my Social Security account. You can also contact your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
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Dedra D.
I can’t access my social security account
V.V.
Hi Dedra, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account.
For assistance with your 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.
Eric P.
I have my social security blocked i need to unblock it.
A.C.
Hi, Eric. It sounds like you are referring to blocked access to your Social Security record online. If you blocked access to your record and have changed your mind, you can contact your local Social Security office to ask us to unblock it. We hope this helps.
Robert
password expire,,how do i get it reset