Plan for Your Future During Financial Literacy Month

Every April we celebrate Financial Literacy Month to promote financial education and well-being in the United States. Financial Literacy Month also serves as a reminder that Social Security is a vital part of any financial plan. Our online tools are here to help you understand your potential Social Security benefits and how they fit into your financial future.

You should periodically review your Social Security Statement (statement) using your personal “mySocial Security” account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Your statement is an easy-to-read summary of the estimated benefits you and your family could receive, including potential retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. 

If you’re planning to retire, you can read our publication When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf. This publication provides resources to help you prepare for retirement.

Please tell your friends and family about the steps they can take to improve their financial knowledge by exploring their personal mySocial Security account. If they don’t have an account, they can easily create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Social Security scams to be aware of

Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. 

We will NEVER:

• Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification.
• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
• Require payment by retail gift card, wire transfer, internet currency, or cash by mail.
• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
• Mail or email “official” letters or reports containing your personal information.

We only send text messages in limited situations, including:

• When you have subscribed to receive updates and notifications by text.
• As part of our enhanced security when accessing your personal mySocial Security.

If you owe money to us, we will mail you a letter with payment options and appeal rights. Social Security employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, the agency calls people who have recently applied for a Social Security benefit, are already receiving payments and require an update to their record, or have requested a phone call from the agency. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, Social Security will typically mail a letter.

We encourage you to report suspected Social Security imposter scams—and other Social Security fraud—to the OIG’s website at oig.ssa.gov/report. You can find more information about scams at www.ssa.gov/scam. Please share this information with your friends, family, and colleagues to help spread awareness about Social Security imposter scams.

Contributor Kirk Larson is the Washington State Social Security Public Affairs Representative.