Protecting Your Social Security Benefits from Identity Theft

While identity theft causes serious problems, it can be especially harmful for people receiving benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).

We’ve seen cases where individuals on disability benefits were suddenly cut off because someone else used their Social Security number (SSN) to report wages. When this happens, it can appear to the Social Security Administration as if you’re working and earning income, which may affect your eligibility for benefits. If you suspect that someone has stolen your identity or used your SSN for employment, here’s what you should do right away:

1. Contact the Social Security Administration (SSA)

First, check your earnings record by creating a mySocialSecurity account on the SSA website. Once logged in, you can review your earnings history to ensure that all listed income belongs to you. If you see wages you don’t recognize, this could be a sign that someone is using your SSN for employment. Report employment-related identity theft. If there are incorrect earnings on your record, contact the SSA right away to have them investigated and corrected. The SSA can help ensure your benefits reflect your true work history, not someone else’s.

2. Report the Identity Theft to the Federal Trade Commission

Visit IdentityTheft.gov, the official federal website for reporting identity theft, and submit a report. Follow the instructions to file an identity theft report. This report becomes part of your official documentation that the theft occurred. From there, get a personalized recovery plan. Once you file the report, the website will generate a customized recovery plan to help you repair the damage. This may include creating an FTC Identity Theft Report, which you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts or incorrect wage reports.

Protect Yourself Going Forward

To help prevent interruptions to your disability benefits due to identity theft, remember to take these proactive steps:

1. Regularly check your Social Security earnings record. Set a reminder to review your earnings record through your mySocialSecurity account at least once a year. Make sure all listed wages belong to you. Even minor discrepancies, like an employer you don’t recognize or higher-than-expected earnings, could signal that someone is using your Social Security number. Catching these issues early can prevent bigger problems down the road.

2. Keep your Social Security number secure. Never carry your Social Security card in your wallet, and only share your SSN when necessary. Be cautious about giving it out over the phone, by email, or online unless you’re certain of who you’re dealing with. Scammers often pose as government agencies or legitimate companies to trick people into revealing personal information.

3. Monitor your mail and benefit payments. Pay attention to any unexpected changes in your monthly benefit amount or letters from the SSA about wages, work activity, or overpayments. These could be warning signs that someone has been reporting income under your name. If something doesn’t look right, contact the SSA immediately to verify the information.

4. Use strong passwords and account protection tools. When setting up your mySocialSecurity account, choose a strong password and enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security to help protect your online account from unauthorized access.

5. Stay alert for scams. Be wary of phone calls, texts, or emails claiming to be from the SSA, the IRS, or other government agencies demanding payment or personal information. The SSA will never threaten you, suspend your Social Security number, or ask for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

By staying vigilant and regularly reviewing your records, you can help protect your benefits and maintain your peace of mind from identity theft.

Michigan Disability Attorneys Who Fight for You

At Disability Attorneys of Michigan, our team proudly represents disabled persons who need Social Security disability benefits. Whether you’re thinking of applying, or have been denied and are appealing the decision, we’re here to help.

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