Cookie Policy
Last Updated: December 29, 2025
This Cookie Policy explains how Social Security Guide uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website. Learn about the types of cookies we use, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences.
Educational and Informational Purpose Only
Social Security Guide is an independent educational website and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration (SSA) or any government agency. This website is provided for educational and informational purposes only. For official information, visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
Types of Cookies We Use
We use different types of cookies for various purposes
Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly and cannot be disabled.
Session Cookies
Maintain your session as you navigate through the website
Duration: Session (deleted when browser closes)
Security Cookies
Protect against fraudulent activity and ensure website security
Duration: Session or up to 1 year
Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting and reporting information anonymously.
Google Analytics
Track website usage, page views, and user behavior to improve our educational content
Duration: Up to 2 years
Performance Cookies
Measure website performance and identify areas for improvement
Duration: Up to 1 year
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your preferences.
Preference Cookies
Remember your settings and preferences (e.g., language, region)
Duration: Up to 1 year
User Interface Cookies
Remember your choices about cookie consent and display preferences
Duration: Up to 1 year
What Are Cookies
Definition
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide information to website owners. Cookies typically contain a unique identifier and may store information about your preferences and browsing behavior.
How Cookies Work
When you visit our website, we may place cookies on your device. These cookies send information back to our web server when you return to the site or navigate to different pages. This allows us to recognize your device and provide you with a better user experience. Cookies do not contain personal information unless you have provided it to us.
Types of Cookies
Cookies can be classified as 'session cookies' (which are deleted when you close your browser) or 'persistent cookies' (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them). They can also be classified as 'first-party cookies' (set by the website you're visiting) or 'third-party cookies' (set by other websites or services).
Why We Use Cookies
Website Functionality
We use essential cookies to ensure our website functions properly. These cookies are necessary for basic features like page navigation, security, and access to certain areas of the website. Without these cookies, some parts of our website may not work correctly.
Analytics and Improvement
We use analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our website. This information helps us improve our educational content, identify popular topics, and enhance the overall user experience. Analytics cookies collect information such as which pages you visit, how long you spend on each page, and what links you click.
User Experience
We use functional cookies to remember your preferences and settings, making your experience on our website more convenient. For example, these cookies may remember your cookie consent choices or display preferences.
Third-Party Cookies
Analytics Services
We use third-party analytics services, such as Google Analytics, to help us understand website usage. These services use cookies to collect information about your use of our website and other websites. The information collected is typically anonymized and aggregated. Google Analytics may use the data collected to contextualize and personalize ads within its own advertising network.
Third-Party Privacy Policies
Third-party cookies are governed by the privacy policies of the respective third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these third-party services to understand how they collect and use information. We do not have control over third-party cookies or how third parties use the information they collect.
Opting Out of Third-Party Cookies
You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on, available at https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout. This add-on prevents Google Analytics JavaScript from sharing information with Google Analytics about your visit.
Managing Cookies
Browser Settings
Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies, accept only certain cookies, or notify you when a cookie is being set. Each browser is different, so check your browser's 'Help' menu to learn how to change your cookie preferences. Common browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.
Disabling Cookies
You can disable cookies at any time through your browser settings. However, please note that if you disable cookies, some features of our website may not function properly. Essential cookies are necessary for the website to work, so disabling all cookies may prevent you from accessing certain parts of the site.
Mobile Devices
If you access our website through a mobile device, you can manage cookies through your device's settings. The process varies depending on your device and operating system. Consult your device's help documentation for specific instructions on managing cookies.
Do Not Track Signals
Some browsers have a 'Do Not Track' (DNT) feature that lets you tell websites you do not want to have your online activities tracked. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but we do not track users across third-party websites to provide targeted advertising.
Cookie Retention
Session Cookies
Session cookies are temporary and are deleted when you close your browser. These cookies are used to maintain your session as you navigate through our website and do not collect personal information.
Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period (ranging from a few days to several years) or until you manually delete them. These cookies are used for analytics, preferences, and other non-essential functions. The retention period varies depending on the purpose of the cookie.
Deleting Cookies
You can delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Deleting cookies will remove all cookies from your device, including those that remember your preferences. After deleting cookies, you may need to re-enter your preferences when you next visit our website.
Updates to This Cookie Policy
Policy Changes
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. We will post the updated Cookie Policy on this page and update the 'Last Updated' date at the top of this policy.
Notification of Changes
If we make material changes to this Cookie Policy, we may notify you by prominently posting a notice on our website or through other appropriate means. We encourage you to review this Cookie Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies.
Continued Use
Your continued use of our website after any changes to this Cookie Policy constitutes your acceptance of such changes. If you do not agree with any changes, you may adjust your cookie settings or discontinue use of our website.
Questions About Cookies?
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us. We're committed to transparency about our data practices.
Related Legal Information
Learn more about our policies and legal information