Block Electronic Access to Your Social Security Record
A block shuts out online and automated phone access to your record, including your own.
By Siddharth ShankarUpdated October 23, 2026The Social Security Administration says that if you know your Social Security information has been compromised you can ask it to block electronic access to your record by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Once the block is in place, any automated telephone and electronic access is blocked, so nobody can view or change your information online or through the automated phone service, including you. To lift it you contact SSA and prove your identity. SSA also says creating your own my Social Security account removes the risk of someone creating one in your name.
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Your Social Security number is the key to many records, including your record at the Social Security Administration, or SSA. This guide covers one specific protection that SSA describes in its leaflet “How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security”.
What a block does
SSA says you can request a block on electronic access if you know your Social Security information has been compromised. Once the block is in place, “any automated telephone and electronic access to your Social Security record is blocked”. Nobody can view or change your information online or through the automated phone service. That includes you.
How to request it
Call SSA’s national number, 1-800-772-1213, or the TTY number, 1-800-325-0778. SSA says live representatives are available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and automated phone services run 24 hours a day. You can also find contact options at ssa.gov.
What the leaflet does not say
The leaflet does not say whether the block affects in-person visits or calls with a representative. It does not give a separate unblocking number either. If you need to know exactly how a block works in your case, ask SSA when you call.
How to remove the block
To lift a block, contact SSA and ask for it to be removed. The leaflet says you must prove your identity when you call. Because the block also stops you from using the online service, think about whether you need online access soon, for example to check earnings or apply for benefits.
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Why create your own my Social Security account
SSA says creating a my Social Security account takes away the risk of someone else trying to create one in your name. A criminal who has your Social Security number could otherwise open an account and view your information. The leaflet does not describe the sign-up steps, so follow the instructions at ssa.gov. If you have already blocked access, you will need to decide which approach suits you: an account you control, or a block.
Other protections SSA lists
- Avoid routinely carrying your Social Security card or other documents that show your number.
- Question requests for your number. Ask why it is needed, how it will be used and what happens if you refuse.
What a block does not do
SSA’s block concerns access to your SSA record. It does not stop someone from opening credit in your name with your number. For that, look at credit freezes and fraud alerts. It also does not prevent tax fraud. For that, an IRS Identity Protection PIN helps; see how to get an IRS Identity Protection PIN.
A checklist if your number is exposed
- Decide whether to block electronic access or to set up your own account.
- Place a credit freeze at each credit bureau.
- Get your free credit reports; see how to get your free credit reports.
- Get an IRS Identity Protection PIN.
- Report misuse as described in what to do if your Social Security number was leaked.
When your number was in a large breach
Large breaches of background-check and data aggregator companies have exposed numbers on a massive scale. Read the National Public Data breach guide. If your number is already out there, layered protections work best.
Sources
- Social Security Administration: How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security (block electronic access, contact numbers, other protections)
Frequently asked questions
How do I block electronic access to my Social Security record?
Call SSA on 1-800-772-1213 or the TTY line, 1-800-325-0778, and ask for a block.
Does the block affect me too?
Yes. SSA says nobody can view or change your information online or through the automated phone service, including you.
How do I remove the block?
Contact SSA and ask for it to be lifted. You must prove your identity when you call.
Does a block stop credit fraud?
No. It concerns access to your SSA record. Use a credit freeze to limit new credit in your name.
Should I create a my Social Security account?
SSA says creating your own account removes the risk of someone else trying to create one in your name.
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