What Is A Social Security Number?
Your Social Security number is a nine-digit pin that the Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns to you if you are a U.S citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a working non-immigrant. Your Social Security number is your national identification number that you can use for taxation, obtaining credit, and other uses.
Can I Change My Name On My Social Security Card?
If you legally change your name because of a change in your marital status or for any other reason, you have to inform the Social Security Administration so that you can get a card with your new name.
There are no fees associated with this service, but you have to fill out an application and furnish the SSA with proof of your U.S. citizenship and identity.
How Can I Change My Address?
If you need to change your address for Social Security benefits or Medicare, you can do so online by using a My Social Security account.
How Do I Apply For A Replacement Social Security Card?
If your original Social Security card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a new one by filling in the necessary forms and furnishing the SSA with the required supplementary documents.
The application filing procedure can be quite extensive, and you may need the services of a professional Social Security consultant. If your card is stolen, you may need to take some additional measures to protect your identity.
How Do I Protect My Identity?
There are many things that you can do to protect your identity. They include the following:
- Contacting credit bureaus to put a fraud alert on your credit
- Monitoring your accounts for suspicious transactions
- Informing the Internal Revenue Services to be on alert for a false tax return
- Notifying the Federal Trade Commission that your SS card has been stolen
- Contacting your credit card company to freeze your credit card
What Documents Do I Need For An SS Card Application?
Firstly, the documents you need for this application has to be either originals or copies that are certified by the issuing authority. The SSA will not accept photocopies or notarized copies. A receipt showing that you applied for the documents will also not be sufficient.
To get a new SS card, you need documents to prove your age, identity, U.S. citizenship, or current immigration status. If you only want a replacement for your original Social Security card, you have to submit documents to prove your identity and U.S. citizenship.
If you are a U.S. Citizen, a birth certificate or U.S. passport will be sufficient, but you can also use an employee ID card, school ID card, health insurance card, or U.S. Military ID card.
How Long Will It Take To Get A Social Security Card?
The Social Security Administration handles all applications individually, so there is no exact waiting period. Most applicants get their new Social Security cards within two weeks after submission.