Community Update

Social Security Column

IS A NEW
SOCIAL SECURITY CARD IN YOUR CARDS?

By Natalie Sowersby

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Rhode
Island

To help combat the rising threat of fraud and identity theft, Social
Security will no longer issue Social Security number printouts beginning in
August 2014. If you need written confirmation of your Social Security number—perhaps
your new employer needs verification—and you can’t find your Social Security
card, you can apply for a replacement.

But do you really need a replacement? In most cases, you don’t need your
card as long as you know your number. For all intents and purposes, your number
is your card. Usually
providing your number and identifying information is enough.

In
the event you really do want or need a replacement card, either for yourself or
for a child, you can find all of the
details you need at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. The “Social Security Number and Card” page
provides information on how to obtain a replacement card and what specific
documents you need to provide.

Need a Social Security card for your new baby
to claim him or her as a dependent on your tax return or to apply for government
or social service benefits? In most cases, an application for your newborn’s
Social Security card and number is taken in the hospital when you apply for
your baby’s birth certificate. If not, you can request one for your child the
same way you do for yourself.

Whether you need a Social Security card for yourself or
your child, it’s easy—and free—to apply for one. But consider whether a new
Social Security card is really in the cards for you. It may be that your “card”
is already with you—in your head.

While you’re at our website, open your free my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.  It can help you plan for retirement, check your
earnings history, request your Social Security Statement, and more.

Learn more about your Social Security card and number at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.