How Can Your Social Security Number Be Stolen
Its surprisingly easy for hackers and criminals to get your Social Security number. This usually happens either by physically getting the information or through a security breach of some kind online. Below are a few of the ways a person can steal your Social Security number:
- Getting documents out of the trash. Its common for papers such as medical bills or financial statements to have your SSN on them. If you toss these papers in the trash, criminals might actually go through it and then use the information.
- Overhearing you say your SSN. You may be asked for your Social Security number when you register at the hospital or when youre dealing with banks and other financial entities. If someone hears you say your SSN, they can then use it for their own activities.
- Obtaining it through a data breach. Even if you take all the necessary precautions to keep your SSN safe, you have to hope that other companies will do the same. Data breachessuch as the 2017 Equifax breachhappen when hackers are able to access companies data banks.
Keep in mind that while a lot of paperwork may ask for your SSN, you dont always have to share it. For example, your childrens school enrollment forms may have a line for your SSN, but this isnt something they actually need. In any situation, you can ask why the other party needs your SSN and refuse to give it if youre not comfortable.
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Will There Be Changes To The Disability Income Threshold
Despite the fact that more than three-quarters of all Social Security claimants are retired workers or their immediate families, the program also provides monthly payments to 8 million disabled workers. Disabled workers will be able to earn a little more each month next year without losing their benefits.Non-blind impaired workers, for example, were allowed to earn up to $1,310 per month this year without losing their benefits. Theyll be able to earn up to $1,350 per month, or an extra $480 per year, starting in 2022, with no interruption in their benefits. The increase in the disability income criterion from year to year is significantly more obvious for people who qualify as blind. Benefit recipients who are disabled and blind will be allowed to earn up to $2,260 per month without losing their benefits next year. Thats an increase of $70 per month over 2021.
Locating The Nearest Ssa Office
The Social Security Office Locator enables you to locate the nearest Social Security Administration office based on the U.S. Postal Service zip code where you are. This Web-based service allows you to enter your five-digit zip code for information and directions to your nearest office from this URL:
The locator service is available during these hours only:
Monday through Friday: All Day Saturday: 5:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.Holidays: 5 a.m. – 11 p.m..
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How Does The Coronavirus Impact Social Security
The SSA has reopened all local offices for in-person services. The government agency recommends people who need help try online first, then phone, before making an in-person visit.
If you must visit an office, please be aware:
Getting Help In Person
You can apply for any type of benefit, get forms and information, and get help with Social Security issues in person at one of the more than 1,200 SSA field offices.
Social Security offices shut down in March 2020 and for most of the pandemic provided in-person service by appointment only and just for select situations involving urgent benefit issues or Social Security numbers.
While walk-in service resumed April 7, Social Security recommends scheduling your visit in advance. If you visit a field office without an appointment, the SSA says to expect long lines, especially at typically busy times, like Mondays, the day after a federal holiday and during the first week of the month.
A small number of field offices may continue to provide appointment-only service due to construction, inability to accommodate people waiting outside the office or other reasons. Check Social Security’s office closings and emergencies page for an up-to-date list.
Keep in mind
- You must complete a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before entering a Social Security office and wear a mask during your visit.
- You may be asked to wait outside due to limited office space, so plan for the weather.
- If you need help with your visit because of a language barrier, disability or other issue, you may bring one adult for assistance. Otherwise, the SSA asks that you come alone .
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Are Social Security Numbers Considered Public Records
As we stated, Social Security Numbers ARE NOT public records and should be kept secure and private. It is classified as personally identifiable information, such as drivers license numbers and passport ID numbers.
Conversely, public records are those considered to be publicly available and are generally provided at county courthouses, such as real property records, most criminal records, and bankruptcies, tax liens and judgments, respectively.
Search By Dob And First Name
On the Person Tab within the People menu, type in the Subjects full DOB and First Name, then CLICK on the Search button. If more records are returned than are practical to review, refine your search by adding a State, County, City and State, or Zip Code. A radius search can also be performed when the City and State or Zip Code are used in your search.
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How Do I Make An Appointment With The Melville New York Office
Even in situations where your local office is open normal hours, it is always better to schedule an appointment to help cut down on your wait time. You can call the Melville, New York office at 866-964-0165 to schedule your appointment. When you make the call, they can also let you know what documents you need to bring to your appointment.
What Documents Do I Need To Apply For Social Security
Documents the Social Security Administration may ask for include:
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How Do I Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card
Requesting a replacement card online is the fastest way to get your new card however, if you need a temporary Social Security card, then you will need to head down to your local SSA office. While they will not technically issue a temporary card, they will give you a receipt showing that your new card has been requested. This receipt can act as a sort of temporary card in some cases.
Filings Under The Uniform Commercial Code
Uniform Commercial Code filings are authorized methods for a Bank Account Search by Social Security Number. You will need to submit a copy with the secretary of state for the Uniform Commercial Code filings to get searched.
In such circumstances, the bank that provided the defendant with the loan may be the same bank the accused uses personally. This is a common practice among debtors and a very smart one. The odds of securing a loan are better since you already have a relationship with the bank.
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Child Support Judgment Collection 1099 Issuance Litigation
If your purpose to find a Social Security Number is for unlawful reasons then of course this would be a criminal act. For instance, it would be illegal to search to determine a subjects credit worthiness, hiring purposes or for any fraudulent purpose, such as identity theft. Also, we will not process any order requesting your own SSN or that of your child.
However, a request by the Court to determine the military status of a civil defendant is acceptable.
So is a request to determine the SSN of a contract employee so that a 1099 may be issued. More permissible purposes can be found at .
Ssn Name Or Birthdate Mismatch
According to the Social Security Administration records, your date of birth on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid does not correspond with the social security number you reported on your FAFSA.
If the name and social security number shown on your FAFSA are correct, you must contact the Social Security Administration Office to resolve this problem . Once resolved, please contact our office so that we may take necessary steps to ensure the full processing of your FAFSA.
If either your name or social security number reported on your FAFSA is incorrect, you should correct your FAFSA accordingly. We also strongly recommend that you contact the Registrars Office to make any name changes in the University database system so that the information on all official records are consistent with your FAFSA.
We cannot award any federal student aid until this matter is resolved.
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How To Receive Federal Benefits
To begin receiving your federal benefits, like Social Security or veterans benefits, you must sign up for electronic payments with direct deposit.
If You Have a Bank or Credit Union Account:
If You Dont have a Bank or Credit Union Account:
- Direct Express debit card a pre-paid debit card. Get help by calling the Go Direct Helpline at .
Make Changes to an Existing Direct Deposit Account:
On Go Directs FAQ page, learn how to make changes to an existing direct deposit account. You also may contact the federal agency that pays your benefit for help with your enrollment.
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Upcoming Changes To Social Security In 2022
Social Security has provided a financial foundation for our nations retired employees since it was enacted into law in 1935. More than 65 million Americans receive a monthly check today, with retired employees accounting for 72 percent of the total. In addition, the program lifts nearly 22 million people out of poverty each year.
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How Do I Apply For Disability Benefits
If you need to apply for disability benefits, you have a few options. You can apply online, over the phone, or at your local office. The online application is the quickest and easiest way, but the other methods are available should you need them. Should you need to apply over the phone, simply call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 .
Contacting The Social Security Administration
NOTE: The Social Security Administration is unable to provide help, information, or technical support about the WorkWORLD software program. If you need technical support for WorkWORLD, see the WorkWORLD Web site at this URL: .Please contact SSA only for information about the benefit programs it administers, your personal benefits or earnings situation, or other Social Security Administration matters.
In many localities, you can find the telephone number for your local Social Security Administration field office under the United States Government listings in the white pages. If there is no field office listed near you, you can use the free 800 number listed below, or find information on the SSA World Wide Web site.
When contacting one of SSA’s field offices about any of the various SSA work incentives, it may be advantageous to ask to speak with one of the Work Incentive Liaisons . In conjunction with an Area Work Incentives Coordinator , the liaisons provide improved services and information on SSA’s employment support programs to beneficiaries with disabilities who want to start or keep working.
The following information is from the Social Security Administration Web site at this URL: .
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How Do I Talk To A Real Person At The Social Security Office
To speak to a Social Security Representative either in person or on the phone, you can do any of the following:
- Go to your local Social Security office in person
- TTY 1-800-325-0778 8:00 a.m. â 7:00 p.m. local time
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Is Ssn Considered Public Information
No, your Social Security Number is not considered a public record. The only way to discover someones Social Security number is through one of the following methods:
If you are not a family member or close friend, you must be an authorized third party with some form of legal consent from that person and provide them with a signed release for their records.
The owner of the SSN may choose to give it to you directly if he feels it is in his best interests. This is something that many people do when applying for credit cards, loans, or employment opportunities.
It is only legal if the following conditions are met: 1099 Collection, Taxation, Child Support, Judgment Collection, and Tax Account Generation are some examples. Never search for a Social Security number before consulting with a legal professional.
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Contacting Social Security By Phone
The website is a great place to start, but sometimes the information provided may not seem to address your situation or answer your particular question. So your next step might be to call. Since Social Security doesnt publish the phone numbers of most local offices, you likely have to call the main number at 1-800-772-1213. Even if you have the number of your local office, you’ll probably want to start with the SSAs automated system.
If you call, you can perform many services through the automated system, including requesting a benefit verification letter and/or statement of your benefits, inquiring about the status of a claim, applying for a replacement card, finding the address of your local office, and conducting some business related to Medicare.
If the automated system isnt enough, you can speak to a representative between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Social Security Administration provides interpreters free of charge. You can call 800-772-1213 to speak with an interpreter who speaks Arabic, Armenian, Chinese, Farsi, French, Greek, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Italian, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, or Vietnamese. You can also schedule in-person appointments, during which time the Social Security Administration office will arrange for an interpreter.
What You Should Do Before You Visit
You are expected to consider the following:
- Provide a self-assessment checklist so you can decide if it is safe for you to attend an office.
- Everyone is required to wear a mask and if you do not possess one you will be handed one on arrival. Hand sanitizer is made available for your use as well.
- If room in the office is limited you may be required to queue outside.
- If you dont require any assistance and are mobile enough to attend you should come on your own. If you do require help you may have one adult attend with you and children are also welcome too.
- If you havent arranged an appointment in advance queues may be long typically just after a federal holiday and the 1st week of each month.
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The Best Ways To Contact The Social Security Administration
Did you know that more than 2,700 rules govern your Social Security benefits? Luckily, a significant number of those rules probably dont apply to youbut how do you have a chance of interpreting all these rules on your own when there are thousands of explanations in the agencys Program Operations Manual System ?
The easy answer is to contact the Social Security Administration . Yes, we know what sort of negative connotations the idea of communicating with a government agency conjures up. Thankfully, there are three ways to contact Social Security to get info and solve issuesonline, by phone, and in person.