Lost Social Security Card

Losing your social security card can be a scary prospect. However, obtaining a replacement is a rather simple, straightforward process, as long as you have all required paperwork to do it. Replacing the card quickly is important, as it will help you keep track of its use and ensure that you can pinpoint any abuse or signs of identity theft.

Function

As a first step to get a new card, fill out a Form SS-5, which can be obtained at your local Social Security office or online (see Resources below). Once the form has been completed, you will need to either mail it or bring it in person to your local office, along with proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport) and citizenship or lawful alien status if you were born outside the US. Photocopies are not acceptable, so make sure you have the originals with you.

Significance

Once your card is lost, there is nothing any agency can do to cancel it or prevent somebody else from using it. In fact, there is no official place to report a lost social security card. This means that it is up to you to be in the lookout for signs of identity theft or strange happenings that can be linked to the use of your card. The first thing you should do is check your credit reports a few weeks after the loss and then again a few months later to find out if any strange activity has been reported. If you see any discrepancies, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission to file a report, as well as the Social Security Administration to check your records and ensure you are receiving the proper amount (rather than this going somewhere else).

Considerations

Due to changes in rules implemented after September 11, you will need a series of paperwork in order to prove your identity and be able to obtain a replacement social security card. The list of acceptable identity papers is long (digital driver's license military, passport, birth certificate and others) but not every paper is worth the same and you need to accumulate the equivalent to six points in order to be able to prove your identity. If for some reason you don't have enough points there, you can provide some alternative papers, such as medical records, bills or pay stubs, although these may delay your application.

Warning

While replacing a social security card should not be a problem in most cases, you should be aware that the card can only be replaced a total of ten times during your lifetime (or three times per year). Also, some areas, such as New York City, Orlando, Phoenix and Las Vegas do not take mail-in applications, which means you will need to make your way to the local social security office in order to obtain a new card.

Prevention/Solution

The best thing you can to prevent loss in the first place is to leave your card at home. You don't actually need the card in most cases, as just the number would do. If you're bringing it along, make sure you keep it in a safe place. Never leave the card behind when doing paperwork. Instead, ask that the person makes a photocopy and return the original to you on the spot.

Resources

• Federal Trade Commission
• Social Security Administration