Lost Your Social Security Card Need To Make Changes Here’s How
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Many people find they need to change or correct their Social Security information when they get married or divorced and change their names. Or they need a replacement Social Security card when they realize theyve lost their original one or it’s been stolen. Here is how to deal with either of those situations.
What If My Social Security Card Was Stolen
If you’re replacing your Social Security card because it’s been stolen, there are several precautions you should take immediately to reduce your risk of identity theft. Your Social Security number is a very important piece of personally identifiable information that can be used to open new credit accounts in your name, among other things, if it falls into the wrong hands.
Let The Three Major Credit Bureaus Know
Add a fraud alert to your credit report at the three major credit bureaus TransUnion®, Experian® and Equifax® if you are a victim of identity theft or you may be. This alert can help creditors take extra steps to confirm your identity before issuing new credit under your name. Signaling one agency alerts the other two automatically.
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Cost Of Replacement Social Security Card
Thankfully, there is no cost to request a replacement card. Your new card will be sent to you free of charge. However, there are limits to the number of replacement cards that you can request. You are limited to three replacement requests per year. On top of this limit, you are also limited to a total of ten replacement requests over your lifetime. This is another reason it is so important to keep your card safe and protected. If you exceed the limit of requests, then you could find yourself in a bad situation if you do not have a Social Security card and cannot request a new one.
Many people wonder, Do Social Security cards expire? The answer is no. Since your card never expires, the only reason you should need a replacement is if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Make sure you protect your card so that you do not hit the limit on replacement requests.
Replacement Card For A Us Born Adult
You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
You may be able to request your replacement Social Security card online. Our online service is a fast and secure way to get a replacement. If you are age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and have amySocial Security account, you can apply for a replacement card online. For more information about creating my Social Security account and getting a replacement card online, visit our Social Security Number and Card website.
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Report Your Lost Card To The Ssa
The Social Security Administration does not require you to report a lost Social Security card. However, if you want to report your card as lost and check that there hasnât been any fraudulent action that the SSA is aware of in relation to your lost card, you can call the main Social Security Administration service number for assistance.
The main toll-free phone number for the Social Security Administration is 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hearing-impaired, you should use this number: TTY 1-800-325-0778. The Social Security Administration does not publish the phone number for your local social security office, and going to a social security office isnât necessary anyways.
Automated services from the Social Security Administration are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These include recorded messages with information you might need and answers to common questions relating to your lost social security card. If you need to speak to a social security representative, they can be reached through the same number between 8 am and 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Can I Get A New Ssn If My Card Was Stolen
Yes, you can change your SSN if your card was stolen â but you may want to think twice about doing so. On many occasions, itâs more beneficial for victims of identity theft to work with the FTC to recover their identity than completely start afresh with a new SSN.
This is because all government agencies â like the IRS and Department of Motor Vehicles â will file your records under your previous SSN.
The same is true for banks and credit reporting companies. Your original SSN is never destroyed itâs often cross-referenced with your new one.
However, receiving a new SSN is essentially like starting your credit from scratch. Without your old credit history you will have no way to prove your financial reliability. The absence of a credit history can make it difficult to receive future credit.
Lastly, you cannot receive a new SSN, even if your Social Security card was lost or stolen, if there is no evidence that someone is using your personal information. Without evidence of criminal activity, you will need to maintain your current SSN.
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Visit The Local Ssa Office
Print out and bring your application and the original documents to your local SSA office. If you filled out the application online, the site will direct you to a page where you can find the closest SSA office in your area. You can also submit your application using an online form, provided you meet certain criteria outlined below.
What To Do If You Lose Your Social Security Card
Your Social Security number is valuable to identity thieves because its linked to your identity. Learn what to do if your Social Security card is stolen or lost and how to keep your personal information safe.
Reading time: 5 minutes
Highlights:
- Your Social Security number can be valuable information for identity thieves
- Consider placing a security freeze or fraud alert on your credit reports if your Social Security card is lost
- If you know your Social Security number has been stolen, there are some additional steps you can take
Your Social Security number is a valuable piece of information to identity thieves. Its a key element of your identity and is also linked to taxes and credit information. And except in limited circumstances, it cant be changed. Thats why its so worrisome to have your card lost or stolen.
Here are some steps to take for a lost or stolen Social Security card:
1. Consider placing a fraud alert or a security freeze on your credit reports or locking them. With an initial fraud alert, potential lenders and creditors are encouraged to take additional steps to verify your identity, such as contacting you by phone, before extending new credit. A fraud alert lasts for one year and can be renewed. Fraud alerts are free. Contact one of the three nationwide credit bureaus Equifax, Experian or TransUnion to request a fraud alert, and that bureau will notify the other two.
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How You Can Keep Your Personal Information Safe
While the precautions we’ve discussed can help you keep your Social Security card safe, one of the most effective things you can do to protect your sensitive personal information is to rely on comprehensive identity protection.
Allstate Identity Protection provides proprietary monitoring tools that can provide additional peace of mind. We’ll alert you to activity as soon as its detected, and if we discover fraud, our experts will work around the clock to fully restore your identity, so you can keep your Social Security benefits your own.
What Should I Do If I Lose My Social Security Card
Losing your social security card presents many financial risks
Lost your Social Security card? There are things you can do to get a new one and ensure little to no damage is done to your credit.
A Social Security card is used to prove your identity and contains your assigned Social Security number. It has proven to be one of the most reliable forms of identification of citizens in the U.S. In fact, its so important that you shouldnt carry it around unless you need it for a particular reason on that day.
Carrying around a Social Security card presents the risk of it being stolen or lost. If your card ends up in the wrong hands, you could find yourself dealing with a terrible case of credit fraud and identity theft.
Here are some pointers on what you should do if you lose your Social Security card:
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Alert All Companies At Which Your Ssn Was Used Fraudulently
In the event that your SSN was used to create fraudulent accounts, you must reach out to each affected company and inform them that youâve been a victim of identity theft. Your FTC and police report can help build your case.
When companies are alerted about the fraudulent activity, they can close the unauthorized accounts for you. Plus, they can flag your name and SSN in their systems to prevent the identity thief from using your information again.
Hereâs how you do it:
To alert a company about Social Security fraud, call the fraud department directly or ask to speak with a customer support representative. The company may offer to freeze the account, close it entirely, or change the logins for you.
What Should I Do If I Lost My Social Security Card
I cant find my Social Security card, what to do if I lost my Social Security card?
If you lost your Social Security card you will need to request a replacement form for a Social Security card from the Social Security Card Administration .
You can do this online, but requesting a replacement card is not available online for all 50 states.
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I Lost My Social Security Card
Your Social Security card is an extremely important document, and you should do everything you can to keep it safe. However, accidents sometimes still happen. So, what happens if you lose your Social Security card? There are some things that you need to do to keep yourself safe after losing your card, but thankfully, the process of getting a Social Security replacement card is usually quick and easy. As long as you know the process for getting a replacement card, you can have your new card within a couple of weeks in most cases. Keep reading as we tell you exactly what you need to do if you lose your card.
Save Time And Headache With Gov+
If youâre unsure whether your documents will satisfy the SSA, or you simply want to save time standing in line, thereâs GOV+. Here at GOV+, weâve created a pain-free portal to replace your social security card, right from your favorite fireside armchair. Just fill out our simple form one time and weâll take care of the rest.
We also offer other related online services that can cut through red tape and headaches, such as:
- Changing your name on your SSN
- Acquiring your first SSN
- Updating an incorrect date of birth on your SSN
Replacing a government ID card is important, and our secure and simple process will have that item crossed off your to-do list in a flash. Head to our SSN page to learn more.
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How Much Does It Cost To Replace My Social Security Card
If you dont have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov/myaccount. In most states, those who are at least age 18 and have a drivers license or state-issued identification card can apply for a replacement Social Security card online. There is no cost for a new or replacement Social Security card.
Social Security: What To Do If I Lost My Ss Card
The Social Security card is an important identification issued by the government.
The Social Security number is used oftenly and is very important for an individual in the United States as it’s needed when it comes to getting a job or accesing and collecting Social Security benefits or any other form of government aid or benefit.
The Social Security number is nine-digit long and its main purpose is to identify an individual and record their earnings, as collected wages or a self employed person.
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Replacement Card For A Noncitizen Adult
You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card, knowing your Social Security number is what’s important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for an SSN. If you do not have permission to work but need an SSN for other purposes, see “If you do not have permission to work” for further information.
Enumeration Beyond Entry
You may be eligible to apply using our automated process called Enumeration Beyond Entry if you are applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for work authorization or lawful permanent resident status.
If you are unable to use Form I-765 or Form I-485, you will need to contact your local Social Security field office to apply for an SSN replacement card.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
If You Do Not Have One Of These Specific Documents Or You Cannot Get A Replacement For One Of Them Within 10 Days They Will Ask To See Other Documents
Since you must provide original documentation you may not want to mail the application in. One alternative is to get copies certified by the issuing agencynot photocopies or notarized copies. If you are filing an application on behalf of someone else, you must produce evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, that person. You must also show proof of your identity.
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Can You Get A Second Social Security Card
As long as youre only requesting a replacement card, and no other changes, you can use our free online services from anywhere. All you need to do is log in to or create your personal my Social Security account. Keep in mind that in many cases, even if you lost your card, you may not need a replacement.
File A Report With The Police And Ftc
Stealing a Social Security card is a crime and should be treated as such. Once youâve become aware that your Social Security card was stolen, file a report with both the Federal Trade Commission and your local police department.
What does this mean?
The FTC is an agency of the federal government tasked with the principal mission of consumer protection, from data security to identity theft. In the event that your SSN was stolen or compromised, the FTC will provide you with the appropriate forms and help you create a personal identity recovery plan.
After filing with the FTC, use a copy of your FTC Identity Theft Report to also file a police report in your local jurisdiction.
Though federal agencies are often responsible for investigating identity theft cases, a report with your city or county creates an essential paper trail.
Hereâs how you do it:
Visit the FTC-operated website, IdentityTheft.gov, to report your theft. There, you will have the ability to specify the type of identity theft youâve suffered. This includes instances of a stolen Social Security card or an exposed SSN.
Once youâve indicated the type of identity theft, the next step is to fill out an identity theft affidavit. Also known as Form 14039, this serves as a full record of the crime. After completing the form, youâll be assigned a recovery plan.
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