Schedule a Free 30-minute Discovery Session. It will open your eyes to the investing world.

Yes, you can open a “My Social Security” account on behalf of someone else, but there are specific requirements and limitations.

Here are some key points:

1. Representative Payee:
   • If you are assisting someone who is unable to manage their own Social Security affairs, you can become their representative payee. A representative payee is typically appointed for beneficiaries who are minors or incapable of managing their benefits due to a physical or mental condition.
2. My Social Security Account Access:
   • While you can assist someone in creating a “My Social Security” account, the actual account should be in the name of the individual receiving Social Security benefits. The account holder has control over their personal information and can grant limited access to others.
3. Conservatorship or Guardianship:
   • In some cases, if an individual is deemed legally incompetent, a court may appoint a conservator or guardian. The conservator or guardian may then have the authority to manage the individual’s Social Security affairs, including creating or accessing a “My Social Security” account.
4. Power of Attorney:
   • If the individual has granted you power of attorney, you may be authorized to manage their financial affairs, including Social Security matters. However, the Social Security Administration may have specific requirements regarding the acceptance of power of attorney documents.
5. Legal Documentation:
   • The Social Security Administration may require legal documentation, such as a court order or power of attorney, to verify your authority to act on behalf of the individual.

It’s important to note that privacy and security concerns are paramount when dealing with Social Security information. If you are helping someone else with their Social Security matters, it’s recommended to contact the Social Security Administration directly to understand the specific requirements and procedures based on the individual’s circumstances.

We are here to help you every step of the way

If you suspect unauthorized access to your Social Security account, taking immediate action is crucial to secure your account and protect your personal information. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Change Your Password:
   • Log in to your “My Social Security” account as soon as possible.
   • Change your password to a strong, unique password that you haven’t used elsewhere.
2. Review Your Account Activity:
   • Check your account activity for any unauthorized changes, updates, or requests.
   • Review your personal information, direct deposit details, and contact information.
3. Update Contact Information:
   • If you notice any unauthorized changes to your contact information, update it to your correct and secure details.
4. Contact Social Security Administration:
   • Report the suspected unauthorized access to the Social Security Administration immediately.
   • You can contact the SSA by phone or visit your local Social Security office.
5. Enable Extra Security Measures:
   • If available, enable additional security features provided by “My Social Security,” such as two-factor authentication (2FA).
6. Monitor Your Financial Accounts:
   • Keep an eye on your bank and other financial accounts for any suspicious activity.
   • If you find any unauthorized transactions, report them to your financial institution.
7. Consider a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze:
   • Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports or even implementing a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
8. Review Your Email Security:
   • Ensure that your email account associated with “My Social Security” is secure.
   • Change your email password if necessary.
9. Stay Informed:
   • Stay informed about the latest security practices and any updates from the Social Security Administration regarding your account.

Remember that the security of your Social Security account is crucial for protecting your personal and financial information. By taking prompt action and following these steps, you can help minimize the potential impact of unauthorized access. If in doubt or if you need further assistance, contact the Social Security Administration directly.

We are here to help you every step of the way

You can use the online “My Social Security” account to track your earnings history. Here’s how you can access and review your earnings record:

1. Log In:
   • Log in to your “My Social Security” account on the official Social Security Administration website.
2. Navigate to Earnings Record:
   • Once logged in, navigate to the section that provides information about your earnings record or work history.
3. Review Earnings Details:
   • Access your earnings record, which shows a detailed history of your reported earnings for each year of your working career.
   • Review the amounts reported for each year and verify that they are accurate.
4. Check for Discrepancies:
   • Carefully check for any discrepancies or missing information in your earnings history.
   • Ensure that all your earnings are accurately recorded.
5. Report Discrepancies:
   • If you notice any errors in your earnings record, report them to the Social Security Administration.
   • You may need to provide documentation to support the correction.

Reviewing your earnings history is important because your Social Security benefits are calculated based on your lifetime earnings. Ensuring the accuracy of this information is crucial for receiving the correct amount of benefits when you become eligible.

Keep in mind that Social Security updates your earnings record annually, usually around tax season when employers submit W-2 forms. Regularly checking your earnings history online allows you to catch and address any discrepancies in a timely manner.

Investing can be a Fun and Rewarding Experience