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A Lost Social Security Card Needs To Be Addressed ASAP

A lost social security card is not the end of the world, however, steps must be taken to ensure the lost card doesn’t lead to more serious circumstances, such as theft of identity.

According to the Social Security Administration website, you can replace your or your child’s lost social security card for free. You are limited to three replacement SSN cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime.  A social security name change and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. Changes in non-citizen status that require card updates may not count, also, you may be exempted if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship situation from developing, as is the case when you are working to prevent identity fraud.

Your first priority is to obtain a replacement for the lost or stolen social security number, which may include a social security name change. We’ll show you how to do that below.

How To Get A New Social Security Card.

An application, Form SS-5, must be filled out with the Social Security Administration (SSA), and they in turn will conduct a social security verification check, after which, a new card with a new number is issued.

Some additional requirements:

You must show them original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency proving:

• Your U.S. citizenship or immigration status. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S.passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship
• For non-US citizens, you’ll need to show your Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport) or an I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or a work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).
• Proof of your Age – You must present your birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, other documents may be considered, for example, your passport.
• Proof Of Identity – An acceptable document must be current, have your name, some identifying information and contain a recent photograph. A U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver id card or a U.S. passport will do. If the specific documents are not available, other documents from the following list may be substituted:
  -  An Employee identification card;
  -  Your School ID card;
  - Your Health insurance card (no Medicare);
  -  A U.S. military ID card;
  -  Any Adoption decree;
  -  Your Life insurance policy; or
  -  A Marriage document (in name change situations).

Take your completed application, along with the necessary documents to your local Social Security office. The application may be mailed, but we don’t recommend that as a first choice. The reason should be obvious, you’re already behind the eight ball.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. They will not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. One document may be used for two purposes in some instances. For example, you may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and to establish your identity.  If two separate documents are called for, then two must be produced.

The Cost To Replace Lost Social Security Cards

No charge. There is no charge for a new Social Security number and card. This also applies to replacement due to name changes, immigration status and other exemptions, such as due to a change in marital status or a court order.

A Quick Word On Social Security Name Changes

If you legally change your name, due to a change in marital status etc, you must tell the SSA about this ASAP. They will issue you a new card with the new status/name but with your old number.

Your employer also need to know this information since you do not want or need any delays in your tax refunds. Additionally, by doing so, you are ensuring that your earnings are being accredited to the correct record.

We shouldn’t need to tell you why that’s important.

We’ve navigated past the rough waters of being at the wrong end of a lost social security card. We covered a lot here but alas, there’s more. Continue your education by visiting the SSA’s website or even call them directly. Their number is toll-free:  1-800-772-1213. Good luck to you.