The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that those with accounts on my Social Security, the federal agency’s online portal, will gain the ability to view their social security number online with secure digital access.
Newsweek contacted the SSA for comment on Saturday via email.
Why It Matters
According to the SSA in 2023 some 71.6 million Americans received support from programs it was administering, meaning improved access to social security numbers could benefit many people.
What To Know
In a press release published on Friday the SSA said my Social Security account holders will be able to view their social security numbers via the portal starting “early this summer.”
This will allow those whose social security cards have been lost or stolen to easily view their social security number online, without needing to wait for an in-person appointment or for a new card to be dispatched via the mail.
The SSA said: “This digital feature not only streamlines the process for those who need their SSN [social security number] but also reinforces our dedication to protecting sensitive information. By providing a secure digital option, SSA aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen cards and enhance the overall user experience.”
The new feature will also be available to my Social Security account holders via mobile devices.
Kevin Dietsch/GETTY
Account holders are urged by the agency to “take advantage of this new feature,” which they insist will improve “service delivery while safeguarding personal identifiable information.”
Earlier this month the Trump administration announced it will resume collecting payments for defaulted student loans, which were paused in March 2020 at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. This will impact SSA payments as up to 15 percent of these can be taken by the federal government to repay student loans via the Treasury Offset Program.
The Trump administration has also announced it is reinstating National Social Security Month in April. This was a campaign launched by the first Trump administration in April 2019 but subsequently discontinued during the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of Senate Democrats have written to Social Security Inspector General Michelle L. Anderson urging her to investigate the impact of SSA cuts announced since Trump returned to office.
What People Are Saying
Acting SSA commissioner Lee Dudek said: “We are proud to offer this new digital solution to our account holders.
“This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure. We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner.”
What Happens Next
If all goes to plan secure digital access for social security numbers should be introduced early this summer.
