Things You Should Do When You Want To Replace A Lost Social Security Card
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What is A Social Security Number?
Social Security is an insurance program financed by taxes in the payroll. The funds are subsidized to different welfare programs and are paid based on the length of time the person contributed to Social Security.
The identification of the members of the program is called the Social Security number. Through the years, the Social Security number has become the identification number in the US. Government institutions like the International Revenue Service and other private institutions like hospitals, employers, and educational institutions use the Social Security number as a personal identifier.
As an adult, you have to take care of the most important documents and you must ensure that they are secured in a safe place. These documents include passports, government-issued ID, social security card, marriage license, and birth certificates. Since these documents are seldom used, most often they easily got lost or stolen without you even knowing it until you need it.
In this article, we share several tips on how you can replace your lost or stolen Social Security card. This way, you will not only easily get your replacement card but you will get it conveniently having prepared the necessary requirements and documentation.
Tips To Replacing Lost Social Security Card
1. Know the Details
Determine the kind of information that you have to provide to get a new social security card. Before going to the nearest social security office, make sure that you know the kind of documents you need to bring with you to prove your identity. It is safe to bring all the documents that you have that can serve as proof of your identity. This way, you are prepared of whatever it is that they will ask to provide.
2. Apply for Card Replacement Online
There are some states in the US that allow applicants to get file an online application for replacement or a new social security card. When you are applying online, it is important that you ensure that you are using a secure connection. Always check for the https on the search bar of the website you are browsing. This term means that the website you are opening is utilizing a secure connection. The information that you share online on an https connection means that your information is safe on that particular website.
3. Avoid Using Public Computers
Do not use a public computer when filling up an application form for your Social Security card replacement online. Do this in your home using a secure connection. Additionally, do not use a public computer to key in personal information. Public computers store these information as well as the browser and the website you visited. This could lead to identity theft, credit card hacking, phishing, and other scams online.
4. Apply In Person
The most secure way to apply for a new Social Security card or to get a replacement is by personally going to the nearest Social Security office in your area. These are the things that you should bring with you when applying for a Social Security card:
Identity
According to the Social Security Administration, as proof of identification, only current and updated documents are accepted. These documents must contain identifying information like your name, age, or birthday. It must also have your recent picture. As proof of identity, acceptable documents include a US-issued driver’s license, a US passport, or a state-issued ID card.
Also, for those not born in the US but are US citizen, they can opt to Using US Passport as Required Document for Foreign Born US Citizen’s Social Security Card. Other acceptable proof of identity includes an employee ID, US military card, school ID, and health insurance ID card.
Citizenship
To establish citizenship, SSA requires applicants to submit a US passport and a US birth certificate. For citizens born outside the US, they can opt to Using US Passport as Required Document for Foreign Born US Citizen’s Social Security Card.