- Social Security, as it applies for this article, started as a way to collect Social Security taxes and distribute a supplemental security income to elderly or disabled Americans. Social Security numbers are a type of tracking mechanisms to determine the amount of money each person has contributed to the fund. Because of this, the government uses SSNs as lifelong unique identifiers for the legal citizens of this country. Social Security numbers, cards and benefits are issued and tracked by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Today, Social Security numbers are also used by employers, banks and credit companies for identification purposes.
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Individuals looking to obtain a Social Security number for the first time must fill out an application at their local Social Security office. Along with the application, the individual must present official documents that prove their citizenship, age and identity. After all of the information and documents have been received and verified, a card containing the new number will be mailed.
If a card is lost or stolen, individuals can always be issued a new copy of the original card. There is no cost or fee associated with getting a new or replacement card. -
There are three different types of Social Security card that is issued by the SSA:
1. The first type is issued to all legal citizens of the United States. It lists the cardholder's name and Social Security number. This type of card has no restrictions tied to it.
2. The second type of care is imprinted with the words, "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION", along with the same information that is on the first type. This type of card is issued to individuals who have entered the United States legally with a work VISA.
3. The final type has the name and Social Security number of the cardholder and the message, "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT". This card is issued to individuals who has entered the country legally, but is not authorized to work. For some reason they are required to have a Social Security number, either for school or to receive government benefits. -
With the rise in identity thief, great importance is placed on securing personal documents. Social Security numbers should be treated as confidential and not be given out unnecessarily. A good piece of advice to remember is to keep the Social Security card in a safe place at all times. Do not make photocopies that can be easily misplaced or stolen.
The Social Security Administration has taken precautions to do their part in keeping your number from being misused. They do not distribute cards or numbers without proper identification. If at any time you feel that your number has been used falsely, you can call the SSA and they will place a red flag on the number; preventing anyone from using it without presenting proper identification.
