What to Do If You Lose Your Social Security Card

A person’s social security card is of upmost importance. Contrary to what people may think, it is not just a simple ID.

This is because it contains your social security card number – information vital to your daily life. Needless to say, card owners should always take care, especially since it contains such sensitive information.

This article presents the clear and simple steps you need to do once your social security card is lost.

Importance of the Social Security Card

In order to get a sense of how important your social security card is, let us first discuss what it is and it does for you. In a nutshell, your card indicates your social security number. This is the a nine-digit code that the U.S. government issues to all its citizens and eligible immigrants currently working in the country. Immigrants have to apply for it first, and they are granted one upon being considered eligible.

Take note that the same social security number is used by people throughout their lives. One can only have it changed under certain circumstances. So, when you are having your card replaced, rest easy since you’ll probably still have the same social security number like before.

So, what is the social security number for? Basically, it is used by the government to keep track of your employment status as well as your annual earnings in order to determine the subsidy you will be receiving upon your retirement. This will be based on the income reports and your social security contributions as reported by your employers during your active years in service. This is the reason why employers ask for your social security number when you enter into new job.

Now, you can probably understand why your card is so important, and why you should take care not to share its information carelessly.

What to do if you lost your card

So, the first thing you have to do is to go to the authorities and report that the card has been lost or possibly stolen. This will get the ball rolling for your case, and will insulate you from any trouble that may arise due to your lost card.

Once you have reported it, the local social security office branch will inform you of what you need to do next. Getting a replacement is easy enough once you have met the necessary requirements. You just have to compile all the necessary documents that can prove your identity. Make sure to bring your essential documents such as birth certificates and marriage certificate. It would also be smart to bring additional proof of identification such as valid IDs. Also keep in mind that everything has to be original. Photocopied documents are not accepted.

Once you have everything just head down to the nearest branch and fill out the forms for the Social Security Card Application. Double-check the information in order to ensure its accuracy. After that, simply submit the form along with your documents.

Losing your social security card is not the end of the world. Remember that getting a replacement card is free. So, don’t hesitate to go to your local social security office with the requirements and apply for another one. It is actually very easy.

 

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