Go Digital! Visit Social Security Online at SSA.GOV

Social Security’s website at ssa.gov offers the most reliable and up-to-date information about our programs and services. You can find easy-to-use helpful resources and tools. The Frequently Asked Questions page features the most asked questions at the top.  Questions include:

• How to get help from Social Security.
• Yearly Cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) details.
• What to do if you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Social Security.
• How to schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment.
• Working while receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

Five Social Security Resources That Can Protect Elders from Scams

Social Security scams are widespread across the United States. Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. They target everyone – especially the elderly – and their tactics continue to evolve. Here are five easy-to-use resources to prevent Social Security fraud:

1. Create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to stay one step ahead of scammers.
2. Read our blog post to learn how to guard your Social Security card – and protect your personal information at www.ssa.gov/blog/en/posts/2025-06-05.html.
3. Check out our Protect Yourself from Scams page to learn how we fight scammers at www.ssa.gov/scam.
4. Read our Scam Alert fact sheet to learn what tactics scammers use and how to protect yourself at www.ssa.gov/fraud/assets/materials/EN-05-10597.pdf.
5. Learn about other types of fraud on our Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) Scam Awareness page at oig.ssa.gov/scam-awareness/scam-alert. You’ll also see how to report these scams to our OIG and other government agencies.

Create Your Personal "My Social Security" Account Today

Are you looking for a secure, convenient way to plan for your retirement or manage your Social Security information? Go Digital! Create your personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount! With your personal account, you can easily check your earnings record, estimate your future benefits, and access a wide range of self-service options online, at any time.

A Faster and More Convenient Way to Request a Social Security Number and Card

If you need an original Social Security number (SSN) or a replacement card, you can now complete your request online, and if needed, schedule an appointment for faster service. By starting the application online, your in-office visit will typically take less time.

We have expanded appointment-based services as part of our ongoing efforts to serve you more efficiently. If you need to visit a local Social Security office or card center, please make an appointment.

Social Security Survivor Benefits for Children

Losing a parent is one of the most difficult experiences a child can face. Along with the emotional challenges, families often must navigate new financial realities. Many Americans don’t realize that the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help support children who have lost a parent by providing monthly Survivor benefits.

Applying for Survivor benefits is not something you can do online. Instead, you’ll need to call us or visit your local Social Security office in person.

To set up an appointment, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times are usually shorter early in the day (before 10 a.m.), later in the afternoon (after 4 p.m.), or later in the week (Wednesday to Friday). Most appointments can be scheduled within 30 to 60 days.

For more information about Social Security Survivor benefits for children, visit www.ssa.gov/survivor and review our publication, Benefits for Children at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf.