How To Apply Online For Social Security Card Replacement?
By Krishnendu Shit
10 May, 2023
Security
The Social Security card is really important if you live and work in the US. This card helps in tracking your earning history as a worker. This, in turn, allows for determining Social Security benefit entitlement and also calculating the levels of benefits that you deserve. However, if you lose your card, you might look for a Social Security card replacement.
In this article, you will mainly learn about how to apply online for a Social Security card replacement or apply for a Social Security card replacement in person. Furthermore, you will also learn other ways of requesting Social Security card replacement in the United States. Hence, to know in detail about Social Security cards, read on through to the end of the article.
The Importance Of Social Security Card
If you are a worker in the United States and you want to file your taxes, apply for a credit card, or verify your online identity, then it is really important for you to have a Social Security card. Although having a Social Security number will be enough in many cases, having a physical Social Security card is also essential in some cases. Hence, if you have lost it or you want to change your name, it is probably time to replace it.
However, having a social security number is the most important thing, as it is one of the most commonly used numbering systems in the United States. According to the US Social Security Administration,
“The Social Security card reliably serves only as official verification of the SSN assigned by SSA to the person whose name is on the card. The card is not proof of the bearer’s identity or citizenship/noncitizen status, and has no transaction or data storage capability.”
Employers and businesses also make use of the Social Security number if they want to see the correct name and other details of the employee. Furthermore, SSN is also used for reporting wages as well. However, employers do not have the legal authority to order employees to show their Social Security card.
Requesting A Social Security Card Replacement – Three Ways To Do It
In ordinary circumstances, a person can request a Social Security card replacement in two major ways – by applying online and by applying at the nearest Social Security office in person.
1. Applying Online For Social Security Card Replacement
The United States SSA recommends,
“If you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number (SSN) is enough. But, if you do need a replacement, you can complete your application online or in-person.”
Applying online for a Social Security card replacement is the easiest way to do it in the comfort of your home. Here, you just need to visit the Social Security website and log in to the site with your Social Security number.
Go to the www.ssa.gov/ssnumber page, and here you will need to answer a few questions before you can apply for a replacement of your Social Security card. Apart from that, if you cannot use my Social Security account for Social Security card replacement, you can go to your nearest Social Security office or Social Security card center to apply for a Social Security card replacement.
2. Applying For Social Security Card Replacement In-Person
If you cannot apply online for Social Security card replacement, or if you are not confident with applying online, then you will need to apply in person by visiting your nearest Social Security office. However, you will need to provide the required documents in person. The required documents you need to show for Social Security card replacement.
The United States Social Security Administration says,
“We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. If you do not begin the application online, you will need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card at your local Social Security office. To save time, you can print and complete the form before you arrive.”
What Are The Documents You Need To Get A New Social Security Card?
Whether you are applying for a new Social Security card online or in person, you will need the following documents in all cases:
1. Proof Of Being A US Citizen
The proof of your US Citizenship can be either your birth certificate or your US Passport. If you have already established citizenship with the US Social Security Administration, then you will not need to provide this document.
2. Age Proof
The birth certificate is the best proof of your age. Hence, if you have already shown your birth certificate, you need not show anything else. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can show your religious record before you turned five years old and also a hospital record of your date of birth.
3. Identity Proof
Identity proof can be your US Driver’s License, US Passport, or a non-driver ID card issued by the state. You can also show your Employee Identification card, Health Insurance card, School Identification card, and even a US military ID card.
Social Security Replacement Card With No Information Changes
Once you visit my Social Security account, you will have to click on the “Replace your Social Security card” option. You will have to answer some questions, after which you will be able to apply online for your Social Security card replacement.
Social Security Replacement Card With Information Changes
If you have legally changed your name for various reasons – marriage, divorce, or court order, you will have to go to the nearest Social Security office with the required documents, and the officials will show you the way to apply for a card replacement.
Summing Up
Hope this article was helpful for you in learning about how to apply online for Social Security card replacement and what documents you will need to show regarding the same. If you are not comfortable with applying online, you can visit the nearest Social Security office near you to apply for a new card. How has the Social Security card benefitted you until now? Share some experiences with us in the comments section below.
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