Social Security already has most of what it needs about you

Social Security does not need to hunt for your information — it collects it automatically as part of how the program works. When you work, your employer reports your earnings to Social Security under your name and Social Security number. When you file for benefits, Social Security pulls together records it already holds: your work history, your birth certificate on file, your tax records, and any prior applications you have made to the agency.

The agency also receives information from other government sources without asking you. The Internal Revenue Service shares tax data. The Department of Veterans Affairs shares military service records. State vital statistics offices share birth, death, and marriage records. This exchange happens automatically — you do not need to provide these documents yourself, though you may be asked to confirm details or provide originals if a record is unclear or missing.

What Social Security does not do is contact you by phone, email, or text to ask for personal information. If someone claiming to be from Social Security calls asking for your number, bank details, or passwords, that is a scam. Social Security initiates contact by mail only, and only about specific cases where you have already filed or where there is a problem with an existing benefit.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security receives your earnings data automatically from your employer and your tax information from the IRS — you do not submit these yourself.
  • The agency shares information with other government agencies like the VA and state vital records offices to verify your identity and work history.
  • Social Security will never call, email, or text you asking for your Social Security number, bank account, or passwords.
  • When you file for benefits, Social Security may ask you to confirm information or provide original documents if a record cannot be verified.
  • You can check what Social Security has on file about your earnings by creating an account at ssa.gov and viewing your Social Security Statement.

What information Social Security collects and why

Social Security collects information in three main ways: from your employer, from you when you file, and from other government agencies. Your employer reports your wages, self-employment income, and tips to Social Security every year. This creates your earnings record, which determines how much you will receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits. The more you earn over your working years, the higher your benefit amount.

When you file for benefits — whether for retirement, disability, or as a survivor — you provide personal details: your full legal name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship status, and banking information for direct deposit. You may also be asked about your work history, any prior applications to Social Security or other benefit programs, and whether you have dependents. Social Security uses this information to calculate your benefit amount and to prevent duplicate or fraudulent claims.

Social Security also collects information about life events that affect your benefits: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, return to work, or a change in your living situation. You report these changes to Social Security, usually by phone, mail, or in person at a local office. The agency uses this information to adjust your benefit amount or to stop payments if you no longer meet the rules for receiving them.

How Social Security shares your information with other agencies

Social Security has legal authority to share your information with other federal and state agencies for specific purposes. The IRS receives your earnings record to match against your tax returns. The Department of Veterans Affairs receives information about your military service to calculate any veteran benefits you may be owed. State vital records offices receive notifications when Social Security records a death, so that death certificates can be issued and other agencies can be notified.

State child support agencies can access Social Security records to locate parents who owe support and to verify income for child support cases. State Medicaid agencies receive information about your income and resources to determine whether you are may be able to access for health coverage. The Department of Homeland Security receives information to verify citizenship and immigration status for people explore for benefits.

Social Security does not sell your information or share it for marketing, advertising, or any purpose unrelated to administering the program. Sharing is limited by law to agencies that have a legitimate government purpose, and those agencies must keep the information confidential under the same rules that bind Social Security.

How to check what Social Security has on file about you

You can view your earnings record and benefit estimate by creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov. This account shows your complete work history as Social Security has recorded it, your estimated benefit amounts at different ages, and a summary of any benefits you are currently receiving. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes and requires your email address, a phone number, and proof of identity (usually a driver's license or passport number).

Your earnings record is important to check because mistakes can lower your benefits. If you see missing years, incorrect amounts, or earnings credited to the wrong year, you can contact Social Security to request a correction. You will need to provide documentation — usually W-2 forms or tax returns — to prove the correct amount. Corrections can take several weeks to process, so it is worth checking your record every few years, especially if you have changed jobs or been self-employed.

If you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for a paper copy of your earnings record. Social Security will mail it to you within two weeks. You can also visit a local Social Security office in person — find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

What happens if Social Security suspects fraud or a mistake

If Social Security detects a discrepancy in your record — such as earnings that do not match your tax return, a duplicate claim, or a report that you have died — the agency will contact you by mail. The letter will explain what the problem is, what information Social Security needs from you, and a important date for responding (usually 10 days). You should respond promptly with documentation: pay stubs, W-2 forms, a birth certificate, or whatever the letter requests.

If you disagree with Social Security's decision about your benefits, you have the right to appeal. Social Security will explain the appeal process in the letter. You can also contact a local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to ask questions about the letter before you respond.

Scammers sometimes impersonate Social Security and send fake letters or make fake calls claiming there is a problem with your account. Real Social Security letters come in the mail with the agency's official seal and logo. If you receive a letter or call that seems suspicious, do not provide any information. Instead, call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 to verify whether the contact is real.

Your rights to privacy and access to your records

You have the right to know what information Social Security holds about you and how it is being used. Under the Privacy Act, you can request a copy of your complete file by submitting a written request to Social Security. The request should include your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Mail it to: Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. Social Security will respond within 30 days.

You also have the right to correct information that is wrong. If you find an error in your name, date of birth, citizenship status, or any other personal detail, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213. Bring documentation that supports the correction — a birth certificate for a name change, a marriage certificate for a name change due to marriage, or a naturalization certificate for citizenship status.

Social Security is required by law to keep your information confidential and find. The agency uses encryption, firewalls, and other security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access. However, no system is completely risk-free. If you believe your Social Security number has been stolen or misused, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov or call 1-877-438-4338.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Social Security contact me by phone or email to verify my information?

No. Social Security initiates contact only by mail. If someone calls or emails claiming to be from Social Security and asking for your number, password, or bank details, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message and report it to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov or call 1-800-269-0271.

Does Social Security share my information with insurance companies or employers?

No. Social Security does not share your information with private companies for any reason. It shares only with other government agencies that have a legal reason to access your records — such as the IRS, state Medicaid offices, or the VA. Insurance companies and employers cannot access your Social Security file.

What if I find an error in my earnings record?

Contact Social Security as soon as possible. You can call 1-800-772-1213, visit a local office, or log into your my Social Security account and send a message. Bring W-2 forms, tax returns, or pay stubs that show the correct amount. Corrections can take several weeks, so it is worth checking your record every few years.

How long does Social Security keep my information?

Social Security keeps your earnings record for your entire lifetime and maintains it after you die for survivor benefit purposes. Your file is not deleted after you stop receiving benefits. This is necessary to calculate survivor benefits for your spouse and children and to prevent fraud.

Can I request that Social Security delete my information?

No. Social Security is required by law to maintain your records to administer the program. You cannot request deletion. However, you can control how your information is shared by limiting access to your my Social Security account — use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication if available.