Internet Security Policy

Is it safe to apply for Social Security benefits over the Internet?

SSA is taking all reasonable and proper measures, including encryption, to ensure that your personal information is disclosed only to you. However, the Internet is an open system and there is no absolute guarantee that others will not intercept the personal information you have entered or requested and decrypted. Although this possibility is remote, it does exist.

What is encryption?

Encryption means that all information relating to you and your account is scrambled and locked with a mathematical key during the electronic transfer. Most browsers have an icon such as a key or a lock to represent an encrypted mode or session. A broken key, open lock, or no lock indicates that the session or mode is not encrypted.

Why is special software necessary to access the Internet application?

So that your online request can remain confidential, SSA uses a security protocol (method) called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) for this application. You must use a Web browser that supports SSL. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are two browsers that support SSL. Using this security protocol, all information sent between your computer and our server is encrypted before being sent on the Internet.

Why SSL?

SSL provides a high level of security and is the security protocol supported by more browsers than any other. It is estimated that about 92% of Web browsers have an SSL browser available for their use.

I have the right software and I am trying to connect during your posted business hours, but I still cannot access your form. Why?

We have found that a number of business, government, and educational networks do not have their firewalls configured to allow passage of secure Web traffic. Check with your systems administrator to determine if this is the case at your site. If this is the case you will not be able to access this application web site.