Stay informed with Social Security social media pages

We strive to keep you informed with accurate and helpful information. In addition to information we provide on our website at www.ssa.gov, we also engage regularly on social media. We invite you to read our posts and share items of interest with your family and friends.

• You can subscribe to our blog, Social Security Matters. We post up-to-date columns about programs, policy, current topics, and new online services. Read more and subscribe at blog.socialsecurity.gov.

• You can follow us on Facebook and repost our articles at www.facebook.com/socialsecurity.

• We have a number of informative videos on YouTube. Our diverse collection of videos covers online services, applying for retirement and disability benefits, Social Security scams, and much more. We offer some of our videos in Spanish as well. you can view and easily share our videos at www.youtube.com/SocialSecurity.

• You can join our many Twitter followers at www.twitter.com/socialsecurity. There, we announce new my Social Security features and other service or program changes.

• Our newest social media outlet is our Instagram account. We share stories and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Check out our Instagram page at www.instagram.com/SocialSecurity.

Connect with us on social media to learn helpful information.

Follow along and share our pages with a friend, neighbor, or loved one today. Take a look at all our social media channels at www.socialsecurity.gov/socialmedia.

A Social Security number is important because you need it to work, collect Social Security benefits, and receive certain government services. The information on your Social Security card must always be up-to-date and correct.

If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order, or any other reason, you must tell us right away so you can get a corrected card. You cannot apply to change your name online.

To update your Social Security card, you need to:

• Show the required documents, including proof of your identity. Sometimes you may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. See what documents you need at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm. Under the heading, “Type of Card,” select “Corrected” for a list of the documents you need.

• Fill out and print the Application for a Social Security Card at www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf.

• Take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office. You can use our field office locator at www.socialsecurity.gov/locator

For complete instructions, visit our webpage at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. You can also read the publication Your Social Security Number and Card at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf.

Remember, never keep your Social Security card in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place to avoid identity theft.

Social Security and its Office of the Inspector General continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be Social Security employees. These scammers try to trick people into providing personal information or money, and often threaten their victims with arrest. Don’t be fooled.

Our employees will never threaten you for information or promise a benefit in exchange for personal information or money.

Real Social Security employees also will not:

• Tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended.

• Contact you to demand an immediate payment.

• Ask you for credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Require a specific means of debt repayment, like a prepaid debit card, a retail gift card, or cash.

• Demand that you pay a Social Security debt without the ability to appeal the amount you owe.

• Promise a Social Security benefit approval, or increase, in exchange for information or money.

If you receive a suspicious call or are unsure of the identity of someone who claims to be from Social Security:

• Hang up.

• Do not give money or personal information.

• Report the scam to our Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

Chris Burke is a Social Security district manager based in Glendale.