Dan Parker, Negosentro | Losing your critical documents can be frustrating and can cause you anxiety and panic. Do you need a replacement card? Consider whether or not you need one and if so, we are here to help.
Since you only need your card when you get a new job, to show your new employer, keep it secured at all other times to prevent loss or theft. Prior to visiting your local social security office, visit the government’s social security website if you decide to get your lost card replaced.
Here are the top 3 things you must do after ascertaining that your social security card is indeed lost and could be in the possession of an imposter:
- Determine the Documents You Need to Have Your Card Replaced
You need to prove your identity to ensure you’re the true owner of the stolen social security card. The social security office will ask for your U.S passport, U.S driver’s license and non-driver identification card issued by the state. You might also need a passport or birth certificate to prove your legal residence status or current U.S citizenship.
Make sure all your documents are either certified copies by the issuing agencies or the originals. Note that notarized document copies and photocopies are unacceptable.
- Prepare Your Card Print Out
With all the documents you need to replace your lost social security card in your possession, you need to print out your social security card application and fill it.
- Submit Your Application
You can either submit your original documents and application to your local social security office in person or do the submission through mail. You can find your local social security office’s address on the official social security website. However, some states allow online submission through your social security account if you meet particular requirements to request for a replacement card. The process is convenient, safe and secure.
Other Things to Note
Replacing your stolen or lost social security card is free if you do the application on your own. However, if you’re busy or not sure about the process, you can hire a service provider to take you through the process at a fee. Since you can only replace your card ten times in your lifetime and three times a year, you need to be more careful with your new card to avoid losing it again or all the time.
However, changes in your immigrant status, if you aren’t a citizen, or your legal names do not count towards these limits. Furthermore, if you can prove that you need to replace your card to avoid a critical hardship, the limits might not apply to your application. Once your local social security office receives all your information and verifies your documents, it will email your new card to you. Your new card comes with a social security number and a name similar to what you had on your stolen or lost card.
