Who Qualifies for a U.S. Social Security Number?
Used originally for taxation purposes, the Social Security number has largely developed as the national method for identifying U.S. citizens. From newly born children to adult working men and women to senior citizens receiving Social Security benefits, a Social Security number is required for most financial transactions, professional relationships and other activities that require a legal assurance that an applicant is who he says he is.
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Purpose
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A Social Security number is used to obtain credit, receive Social Security benefits, apply for employment, pay taxes and receive medical care. A nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration, a Social Security number is a unique numerical identification code that is generally retained from the issue date without expiration. In some cases, a Social Security number may be changed if a domestic dispute or threat to one's safety warrants that a new number be issued. These cases are reviewed based on the individual circumstances brought forth by the applicant.
Social Security Act
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All temporary and permanent U.S. citizens are subject to section 205(c) (2) of the Social Security Act, which states that a nine-digit Social Security number must be issued by application to every natural-born, temporary and permanent U.S. citizen. To apply, applicants must complete and file Form SS--5, "Application for a Social Security Number Card," with the Social Security Administration.
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Considerations
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Applicants are instructed to safeguard the number and refrain from issuing it to unauthorized persons. While many businesses and merchants may ask for your Social Security number, only creditors, employers, insurance groups, government agencies and some medical professionals are required by law to obtain your Social Security number for identification and filing purposes. It is important to note that it is legal for a third party (or business) to ask a consumer for his Social Security number. It is illegal, however, for that party to sell or distribute the number to outside parties.
Replacement Cards
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A Social Security card can be replaced by filing an application (Form SS-5). You must present valid proof of identity and photo ID. State-issued identification cards and driver's licenses as well as a birth certificate are accepted. Even though a Social Security card is reported lost, the original Social Security number is still reissued.
Restrictions
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Applicants are restricted to three replacement cards within a year. Also, you cannot apply for more than 10 replacement cards during your lifetime. If you legally change your name in a court of law, you are not subject to this restriction and will receive a new card without it counting against your overall total.
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