What Data Is the Social Security Administration Collecting From Me?

If you’ve recently applied for Social Security, you may have wondered what kind of data can be collected from you during the application process? What about how long they can keep your information on file? Guess what? You’re not alone! Some of the biggest hacks in history have come from data collection.

Social Security is a federally managed program that provides disability income and retirement benefits to people who meet the program’s qualifications, but what is the government really able to access while determining your right to benefits? More importantly, who else can see that information as well.

Let’s take a look at the different records that are made available and clarify what information they contain.

Completed Determination Record

What is a completed determination record and how does it affect you? The CDR keeps a record of every American applying or accepting benefits from Supplemental Security or Social Security. That means the Social Security Administration could release information regarding your date of birth when you began receiving benefits, your claim type, and even data pertaining to your disability. If you filed for a continuance or cessation of benefits, the SSA would include that data as well.

Master Files of Social Security Number Holders and Applications

If you’ve applied for or had, a Social Security number in the past, your information is now part of the Master Files of Social Security and is now available for viewing. Information like your age, sex, and location are part of the file, as are the details of who your parents are and your ethnic background and race data. If you’ve updated personal data due to marriage or name change, that will be recorded in the file too.

Master Beneficiary Record

The Master Beneficiary Record includes vital information regarding each claimant who has applied for retirement, survivors, or disability benefits. If you’ve ever used Hospital Insurance or a Supplementary Medical Insurance program, your information will also be on there. Your insured status and the data related to how the SSA conceived your benefits are also included too. Again, your personal information like age, sex, and location will be up for grabs along with information regarding your benefit entitlements and worker’s compensation offset data.

Supplemental Security Income Record and Special Veterans Benefits

Finally, we have the Supplemental Security Income Record and Special Veterans Benefits to cover off. The data collected from these records include SSI income eligibility and payments, so basically, all of your financial details are laid bare for all to see. Personal information on the amount that the applicant was eligible for, actual payment amounts, and amounts of other income are open for viewing once the Social Security Administration begins the benefits process.

Quite an eye-opener right? When you apply or access any benefit related to the Social Security Administration, practically all of your essential personal data is available for viewing. From your basic identifying information to your family’s ethnic background, the Social Security Administration knows everything about you, and if they have all your private data, who else does? Before you go ahead with your upcoming Social Security application, maybe you should be asking yourself the same question.