Social Security Card Replacement Requirements

Social Security Number, abbreviated as SSN, is actually a national identification number issued to the citizens of the United States and also to temporary and permanent residents of the country. It is a nine digit number allocated under section 205(c)(2) of the Social Security Act, which is issued by the Social Security Administration. Though, it was earlier used to identify individuals for the purpose of taxation, in recent times, it has become more of a national identification number.

In cases, where two or more individuals share the same name or date of birth can lead to confusion while retrieving an individual's personal information. So social security number is used as a unique number for various purposes, such as, maintaining student data, employee files, patient records, health insurance accounts, banking accounts and credit records. This social security number is issued to every citizen of the US on a social security card. Social security benefits are many, some of them include retirement benefits, disability benefits and other government grants. So if your card is stolen, lost or misplaced you must immediately apply for a new one. The following paragraphs will discuss on social security card replacement procedure in detail.

Replacing Your Card

In case of stolen cards, the first step would be to contact the local city state and federal authorities immediately to let them know about the loss of the card. It is also essential to inform the banks, credit card companies and other financial agencies and let them know that you are in the process of getting a replacement. Losing your card can be a very stressful time but replacing is a simple procedure. You need to keep all your documentation ready to prove your identity at the Social Security Administration office.

Step 1 - Download and Fill the Form
The necessary forms are available as "Application for A Social Security Number Card" form also known as Form SS-5 on the Social Security Administration's official website. Download the form, there is also an instruction page that one can follow, in order to fill out the application form.

Step 2 - Locating the Office
For locating the offices close by your area, you need to go to the official website of the Social Security Administration and type in the zip code of the area you live in. The Social Security Office in the area will show up on the subsequent page.

Step 3 - Gather all Documents and Proofs
Before going to the office and submitting the form you need to gather some important documents which can act as proof of citizenship and proof of identity. Though the Social Security Office would have information on your citizenship in their files, it is better to carry the important documents with you. For proof of citizenship, some documents like US birth certificate, US Passport, US Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization would be accepted. As proof of identity you need to have US passport, US Driver's license or a state issued ID card. For non-U.S. Citizens, the current US immigration documents are also required.

Step 4 - Submit the Form
After filling the form completely and attaching the necessary documents, one has to go to the Social Security Office and submit the form for approval. The cost is borne by the issuing authorities and is available to the individual free of cost. The new card will be delivered to your mailing address within seven to ten working days.

Being an important proof of nationality and identification, there must not be a delay in applying for a new card. As one can issue a new social security card only three times in a year and ten times during his or her lifetime, it is important to keep the card safe. As many social security fraud and identity theft cases have been reported by using the social security number. Informing the authorities immediately after it is stolen is also important.