Social Security's official website is ssa.gov, not .gob
The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates one official website: ssa.gov. There is no Social Security .gob domain. The .gob extension does not exist — it is a common confusion, possibly because some people think of .gov (the real government domain) and misremember it as .gob.
If you see a website claiming to be Social Security with a .gob address, it is not legitimate. Scammers sometimes use fake domains that look similar to real ones to trick people into entering personal information. Always type ssa.gov directly into your browser or search for "Social Security Administration official website" to make sure you land on the real site.
The real ssa.gov has an https:// connection (you will see a lock icon in your browser), and the page will say "Social Security Administration" at the top. If you are unsure whether a site is real, do not enter any personal details — instead, call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.
Key Takeaways
- The official Social Security website is ssa.gov, not .gob or any other variation.
- Websites with .gob domains are not legitimate — the .gob extension does not exist for any government agency.
- Always look for the lock icon and https:// in your browser address bar before entering personal information on any government site.
- If you are unsure whether a website is real, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 instead of using the website.
- Scammers create fake Social Security websites that look almost identical to the real one, so typing the address directly is safer than clicking links in emails or search results.
What you can do on the real ssa.gov website
The official Social Security website lets you create a personal account called my Social Security. Once you set up an account with your email and a password, you can view your Social Security statement, which shows your earnings history and estimates of what you might receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.
You can also use ssa.gov to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application you have already submitted, and find your local Social Security office. The site has a search function at the top of the page — if you type in a question, it will show you relevant pages and forms.
The website also hosts downloadable forms, such as the application for retirement benefits (Form SSA-1-BK) and the application for disability benefits (Form SSA-16). You can print these forms and mail them, or in some cases submit them online through your my Social Security account.
How to spot a fake Social Security website
Fake websites often use addresses like "socialsecurity.gob.com" or "ssa-benefits.gob.net" — they include words that sound official but are not the real domain. The real address is simply ssa.gov with nothing before or after it (except https://).
Scam sites may ask you to "verify your information," "confirm your identity," or "update your account" before you can see benefits or statements. Social Security will never ask you to provide your full Social Security number, password, or bank details through email or a website link you clicked from an email. If a message claims to be from Social Security and asks for this information, it is a scam.
Another red flag is poor spelling, grammar, or design. The real ssa.gov is professionally maintained and easy to navigate. If a site looks outdated, has broken links, or uses awkward language, it is likely not legitimate.
Creating and protecting your my Social Security account
To create a my Social Security account, go to ssa.gov and look for the "Sign In" button in the top right corner. Click "Create an account," then follow the steps to enter your email, create a password, and verify your identity. Social Security will ask you questions based on your credit history to confirm who you are.
Once your account is set up, you can log in anytime to view your earnings record and benefit estimates. You should use a strong password — one that includes uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and never share your password with anyone, including Social Security employees.
If you forget your password, you can reset it through the login page. If you think someone else has accessed your account, change your password immediately and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
What to do if you think you have visited a fake site
If you entered your Social Security number, password, or bank information on a website you now think was fake, contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213. You should also monitor your Social Security statement for any changes or unauthorized activity, and consider placing a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
You can report the fake website to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include the website address and describe what happened. The FTC uses these reports to track scams and warn the public.
If you received an email claiming to be from Social Security with a link to a suspicious website, forward it to oig.ssa.gov (the Social Security Office of Inspector General) before deleting it. Do not click any links in the email.
Other ways to reach Social Security besides the website
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers). Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or later in the week. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address on ssa.gov or by calling the main number.
Social Security also has a mobile app called "my Social Security" that you can download from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app lets you check your statement and message Social Security, but only download it from the official app stores, not from third-party websites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is .gob a real domain extension for government websites?
No. The only official domain extension for U.S. government websites is .gov. There is no .gob extension. If you see a website with .gob in the address, it is not a real government site.
Can I apply for benefits on ssa.gov?
You can start an application on ssa.gov through your my Social Security account, but you may need to complete it by phone or in person at a local office. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether you can finish your application online or if you need to visit an office.
What should I do if Social Security emails me a link?
Social Security rarely sends emails with links asking you to log in or verify information. If you receive such an email, do not click the link. Instead, go directly to ssa.gov by typing the address yourself, or call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm whether the email was real.
How do I know if my my Social Security account has been hacked?
Log in to your account and check whether your phone number, email, or mailing address have changed without your permission. If anything looks wrong, change your password immediately and call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report it.
Can I trust a Social Security website if it has a lock icon?
A lock icon means the connection is encrypted, but it does not mean the site is real. Scammers can also use encrypted connections. Always check that the address is exactly ssa.gov and that it says "Social Security Administration" on the page, not just that there is a lock icon.