Elder Law of Michigan

Social Security Q&A Part 46

By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

Questions and Answers

Question:

How can I protect myself against identity theft?

Answer:

First, don’t carry your Social Security card with you. Keep it secure at home with your other important papers. Second, don’t readily give out your Social Security number. While many banks, schools, doctors, landlords, and others will request your number, it is your decision whether to provide it. Ask if there is some other way to identify you in their records.

If you are the victim of identity theft, you should report it right away. To report identity theft, fraud, or misuse of your Social Security number, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (the nation’s consumer protection agency) recommends you:

  • Place a fraud alert on your credit file by contacting one of the following companies (The company you contact is required to contact the other two, which will then place alerts on your reports.):
  • Equifax, 1-800-525-6285.
  • Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289.
  • Experian, 1-888-397-3742.
  • Review your credit report for inquiries from companies you have not contacted, accounts you did not open, and debts on your accounts you cannot explain.
  • Close any accounts you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
  • File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
  • File a complaint with the FTC at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261).

Question:

I am getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Can I get other kinds of help?

Answer:

You may be able to get other assistance. For example, in most states, SSI recipients also get Medicaid. You should contact the medical assistance office in your state. Also, SSI recipients are sometimes eligible for social services provided by the state, city, or county where they live. These may include arrangements for meals or transportation. SSI recipients also may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or “food stamps,” in many states. More information is available at your local public assistance office.

Question:

I’m trying to figure out how much I need to save for my retirement. Does the government offer any help with financial education?

Answer:

Yes. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission has a website that can help you with the basics of financial education: www.mymoney.gov. You may also want to check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which offers educational information on financial matters, including mortgages, credit cards, retirement, and other big decisions. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at www.consumerfinance.gov. Finally, if you have a personal my Social Security account, you can get an estimate of your personal retirement benefits and see the effects of different ages to begin receiving retirement benefits. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at hillary.hatch@ssa.gov