Social Security contacts you through mail, phone, or your online account — never by email or text message
Social Security will not email you or text you about your benefits. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security through email, text, or social media, it is a scam. The real Social Security Administration reaches people through the mail, by phone to a number you already know, or through your personal account on ssa.gov. Knowing which method to expect and what a real message looks like protects you from fraud.
Most seniors receive notices by mail and do not need to do anything to stay in touch — Social Security has your address on file. But if you want to check on your benefits without waiting, or if you are not sure whether a call or message is real, this guide explains what to expect and how to verify it.
Key Takeaways
- Social Security sends official notices by mail to your address on file — never by email, text, or social media.
- If Social Security needs to reach you by phone, they call the number you gave them when you applied, and you can verify the call by hanging up and calling 1-800-772-1213.
- You can log into your account at ssa.gov to see messages, benefit statements, and payment information without waiting for mail.
- Scammers impersonate Social Security through email, text, and phone calls claiming you owe money or your account is locked — Social Security does not contact people this way.
- If you move, change your phone number, or want to update how Social Security contacts you, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person.
Official notices come by mail
Social Security sends all official notices to the mailing address on file with them. These notices tell you about changes to your benefits, requests for documents, decisions on claims, and payment information. You should receive them within 5 to 10 business days of when Social Security mails them, though delivery time depends on your location and the postal service.
Keep these notices in a safe place. You may need them to prove your benefit amount, your award date, or changes to your account. If you do not receive a notice you were expecting, wait two weeks, then call 1-800-772-1213 to ask Social Security to resend it or confirm they have the correct address.
Phone calls from Social Security — how to verify them
Social Security may call you if they need information to process your claim, if there is a problem with your account, or to confirm details about your benefits. They will call the phone number you provided when you applied. If you are not sure whether a call is real, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 yourself. This is the official Social Security number, and staff can tell you whether anyone from Social Security was trying to reach you.
Real Social Security staff will never ask you to pay money over the phone, wire money, or buy gift cards. They will not threaten to arrest you, freeze your benefits, or take legal action. If a caller makes any of these threats, it is a scam — hang up and report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or by calling 1-800-269-0271.
Your online account at ssa.gov
You can create a free account at ssa.gov to see your benefit information, payment history, and any messages from Social Security without waiting for mail. To set up an account, go to ssa.gov, click "Create an account," and follow the steps. You will need your Social Security number, email address, and a way to verify your identity — usually a driver's license or passport number.
Once you log in, you can view your current benefit amount, see when payments were deposited, check your earnings record, and read messages from Social Security. If Social Security sends you a message through your online account, you will also receive a notice in the mail about the same topic, so you do not have to check the website constantly.
What to do if you move or change your phone number
Tell Social Security right away if you move to a new address or get a new phone number. You can update your address online at ssa.gov if you have an account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. Bring your Social Security card and a photo ID.
If you do not update your address, Social Security will mail notices to your old address, and you may miss important information about your benefits. If you change your phone number and do not tell them, Social Security may not be able to reach you if they need to verify information about your account.
How to recognize Social Security scams
Scammers call, email, or text pretending to be from Social Security. Common scams claim your Social Security number has been suspended, your benefits are being cut off, you owe back taxes, or your account has been locked. They ask you to confirm your number, give your bank details, or pay money when ready.
Real Social Security will never contact you by email or text. They will not ask you to confirm your Social Security number over the phone if you call them — you give it to them. They will not threaten to arrest you or freeze your benefits on the spot. If you get a suspicious call, email, or text, do not respond or click any links. Hang up or delete it, then report it to the Social Security Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or 1-800-269-0271.
What to do if you did not receive an expected notice
If you are waiting for a notice about your claim decision, benefit change, or payment information and it has been more than two weeks, call 1-800-772-1213. Have your Social Security number ready. Staff can tell you whether the notice was mailed, resend it to you, or explain what is happening with your case.
If you moved recently and think a notice went to your old address, update your address with Social Security first, then call to ask them to resend the notice. If you are having trouble receiving mail at your current address, you can ask Social Security to hold notices for you to pick up at your local office, though this is not common and you should ask about it when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ask Social Security to contact me only by mail or only by phone?
Social Security does not have a formal system to restrict how they contact you, but you can note your preference when you call 1-800-772-1213. They will make a note in your file, though official notices will still come by mail. If you have a specific reason — for example, you do not have reliable phone service — explain it to the staff member, and they may be able to help.
What if I get a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security but I do not recognize the number?
Hang up without giving any information. Call 1-800-772-1213 yourself to verify whether Social Security was trying to reach you. Do not call a number the caller gave you — scammers provide fake numbers that sound official. Always use the official number 1-800-772-1213 or look it up on ssa.gov.
Is it safe to create an online account at ssa.gov?
Yes. ssa.gov is the official Social Security website and uses encryption to protect your information. When you create an account, Social Security verifies your identity before giving you access. Be careful not to use the same password you use for other accounts, and never share your login information with anyone.
What should I do if I think someone stole my Social Security number?
Call Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213 to report it. They can flag your account and watch for suspicious activity. You should also check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov.
Can I change how often Social Security contacts me about my benefits?
Social Security contacts you when there is something you need to know — a change to your benefits, a request for information, or a decision on a claim. You cannot ask them to contact you less often, but you can check your online account at ssa.gov to stay informed without waiting for mail. If you have questions about your benefits, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 instead of waiting to hear from them.