Questions and Answers about Social Security | Dec. 14
Question:
I believe someone has been using my Social Security number, what can I do?
T. Wendel, South Miami, Florida
Answer:
If you think someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. Note that we can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records.
Review your Social Security earnings record
Review the earnings posted to your record on your Social Security Statement. To get your online Statement, log into your personal my Social Security account and check your account. If you see any inconsistencies, contact the Social Security Administration. We consider identity theft one of our major challenges so we have joined in government-wide efforts to prevent Social Security number misuse.
If you want to report identity theft, where someone used your personal information, including your Social Security number, to get a loan or job, file a tax return, or conduct other business, please visit the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft page. This guides you through each step of the recovery process. It’s a one-stop resource managed by the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency.
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for issues involving taxes
If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490.
Order a free credit report
You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
Make a single request for all three credit bureau reports:
• Go online and fill out the Annual Credit Report Request Form, (Disclaimer), or
• Call 1-877-322-8228
File a police report
File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
Question:
Does Social Security send emails?
Q. Lamerie, North Miami, Florida
Answer:
Yes, we may send you an email after a discussion with you that was either in person or over the phone, or, after completion of an online action. We also send informational emails about our online services. Also, if you have a my Social Security account, we send an email once a year, approximately three months before your birthday, to remind you to review your Social Security Statement online. Additionally, if within my Social Security you elected to receive Courtesy notifications by email, we will send you emails when we deliver new messages or notices to your my Social Security Message Center.
Question:
Can noncitizens living in the United States receive Social Security benefits?
F. Alvarado, Weston, Florida
Answer:
Yes, if they are lawfully in the United States and meet all eligibility requirements.
Lawfully present noncitizens include, but are not limited to:
• Noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA);
• Certain noncitizens admitted under other INA classifications that allow them to live and work in the United States;
• Noncitizens admitted under Family Unity or Immediate Relative provisions; and
• Other noncitizens who are fully insured for retirement, survivors or disability benefits, and who continue to meet U.S. lawful presence requirements.
Noncitizens authorized to work in the United States who got a Social Security number after December 2003 can qualify for Social Security benefits.
Question:
Is it true, that a noncitizen get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
R. Frances, Lauderdale Lakes, Florida
Answer:
The laws and regulations concerning noncitizens differ for the Social Security and SSI programs. The Social Security administers both, even though they have different eligibility requirements. Some noncitizens do qualify for SSI.