Original Card For A Noncitizen Child
In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can apply for a Social Security number . If your child does not have permission to work but needs an SSN for other purposes, see “If your child does not have permission to work” for further information.
Adoption
In some cases, we can assign your adopted child a number before the adoption is complete, but you may want to wait. Then, you can apply for the number using your child’s new name. If you want to claim your child for tax purposes while the adoption is still pending, contact the Internal Revenue Service for Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. For more information, see Social Security Numbers For Children .
Enumeration Beyond Entry
You may be eligible to apply using our automated process called Enumeration Beyond Entry if you are applying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services for work authorization or lawful permanent resident status.
If you are unable to use Form I-765 or Form I-485, you will need to contact your local Social Security field office. You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.
Important
When Do You Not Need A Social Security Number
You do not need, and may not need to request a Social Security Number to:
- Apply for school lunch programs
- Apply for subsidized housing
- Obtain a drivers license
- Obtain an identification card
- Pay taxes
This does not mean you cant use your Social Security Number for these purposes if you have one. It simply means you can do these without a Social Security Number.
If you need to pay taxes and are not authorized to work in the United States, request an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the IRS. If youre looking to complete a home loan, PPP loan, or credit card application, you can use your ITIN if youre not eligible for a Social Security Number.
Protect Yourself Going Forward
Once you’ve followed all the steps to get your replacement Social Security card, it’s wise to take action to protect yourself. You may have received a new physical card, but your Social Security number will remain unchanged, and anyone who comes into possession of your old card can use it to commit fraud. This may mean staying diligent about what’s on your credit report for years to come.
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to prevent your Social Security card from being used nefariously. In addition to taking steps to protect your identity, make sure your new card is stored safely and securely and only leaves your home or safety deposit box when absolutely necessary. Losing possession of your Social Security card can be a nerve-wracking experience, but you’ve got tools at your disposal to make sure it’s replaced quickly and your identity is protected for years to come.
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What Youll Need Before Applying
Below, we will list what youll need and the acceptable documents for proof.Proof of identity:
- Social Security record or letter
Proof of United States citizenship and/or immigration status:
- work permit
- letter from employer or school official
- unexpired foreign passport
- form I-94
If youve legally completed a name change youll need further proof of ID, including any documents you filed to change your name and any documents that show your name before and after you changed it.
Getting A New Social Security Card Because Of A Name Change
To change your name on a Social Security card, you must submit proof of your identity — this can be either a primary or secondary document described above — and documentation showing your name change. This can include a , a court order approving the name change, a divorce decree or a Certificate of Naturalization.
You may be able to get away with sending the Social Security Administration just one document if it shows your previous name and your age, birth date or your parents names. This information then must match your Social Security records.
Again, any documents you mail to the Social Security Administration will be sent back to you.
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Social Security Number Card Applications
A Rule by the Social Security Administration on
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Information about this document as published in the Federal Register.
- Printed version:
- This rule is effective September 9, 2015.
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Applying For A Replacement Ssa Card
If you only lost the card but have a copy of your childs social security number , getting a replacement will be a lot easier. In fact, you may not even need to replace the card. Simply knowing their SSN is enough.
But if you insist on getting a replacement card, youll need to request it in person or mail your request to thenearest SSA office.
The SSA offersonline requests for social security card replacement. But the card owner must be 18 years or older to avail of this service which most likely isnt the case if youre making the request on your childs behalf.
Aside from theapplication form, the SSA will require documents proving your childs identity. To be valid, an identification document must show your childs full legal name and biographical information .
If your child was born in the US, any of the following documents would suffice as proof of identity:
- medical records maintained by the medical provider
- final adoption decree
- certificate of citizenship
- certificate of naturalization
For non-US citizens, just present a current unexpired document issued by the Department of Homeland Security showing your immigration status.
If the document doesnt have an expiration date, it should have been issued within the past four years. All documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. The SSA wont accept photocopies or even notarized copies. But no worries. All submitted documents will be returned to you together with your replacement card.
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Caricom National With Qualifying Certificate & Indefinite Entry Of Stay Stamp
Primary Documents:
- CARICOM Single Market & Economy Free Movement of Skills Qualifying Certificate AND
- Passport from country of origin or naturalized country with Indefinite Entry of Stay Right to Work Stamp affixed on one of the passport pages.
Note: Qualifying Certificate is a Certificate of Recognition of Caribbean Community Act.
At Your Social Security Office
You will want to visit your local SSA field office for the fastest results. Bring all relevant documents to your nearest Social Security office, and make sure to bring a certified copy of each when possible.You may call or go online to make an appointment at your local office, which saves time standing in line.Your temporary card can only be printed by SSA for legal reasons.
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Corrected Card For A Us Born Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
Replacement Card For A Foreign Born Us Child
You can replace your child’s Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However you may not need to get a replacement card, knowing your childâs Social Security number is what’s important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during a lifetime. Legal name changes do not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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How To Get A Social Security Card
Corrected Card For A Foreign Born Us Citizen Child
If you legally change your child’s name because of adoption, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that your child can get a corrected card. If your child is working, also tell your child’s employer. If you do not tell us when your child’s name changes, it may:
- Delay your tax refund or your child’s refund and
- Prevent your child’s wages from being posted correctly to your child’s Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your child’s future Social Security benefits.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current . We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
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Corrected Card For A Us Born Adult
If you legally change your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you need to tell Social Security so that you can get a corrected card. If you are working, also tell your employer. If you do not tell us when your name changes, it may:
- Prevent your wages from being posted correctly to your Social Security record, which may lower the amount of your future Social Security benefits.
- Cause delays when you file your taxes.
Important
We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. We cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document. All documents must be current .
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.
You Can Apply For A Social Security Card Replacement Online
Applying for a card replacement online through your my Social Security account is usually the most convenient option. But you can only use the online application if you dont need to make any changes, such as updating your name. You also have to be an adult with a drivers license or a non-driver ID card and live in one of the more than 40 states and Washington, D.C., that verify state-issued documents for the Social Security Administration.
Generally your card will arrive within two weeks if you apply online. The online application can be found here.
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Getting Your Temporary Card Online
It may take up to ten business days to receive your temporary new card after completing your online application. We highly recommend obtaining a temporary Social Security card in person.
Applying For A Social Security Number With Your Visa
You may apply for an SSN as part of your visa application if you are a lawfully admitted permanent resident. This avoids having to make a separate trip to a Social Security office once you arrive in the United States.
Complete the visa application following the usual process either on a paper Form DS-230 or the electronic Form DS-260 online with the State Department. The Embassy or Consulate will do most of the work for you. On both forms, there is an option to request a Social Security Number. Select yes and agree to the consent for disclosure.
You should receive your Social Security card in the mail at your U.S. mailing address within three weeks of entering the United States.
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Evidentiary Requirements And Removal Of The Word Documentary
Four individuals specifically stated their support for the removal of the word âdocumentaryâ from and the flexibility it would provide us for appropriately and securely verifying applicants’ true identity and other eligibility factors. Other commenters expressed unease about the possibility of fraud resulting from the removal of the word âdocumentary.â Of those who expressed unease, some of the commenters were concerned about how the public would âinterpretâ removing the word âdocumentaryâ and what it âimpliâ about the evidence we require in order to obtain an original or replacement card. Other commenters were concerned that illegal immigrants would be able to obtain SSNs by providing false information, were unsatisfied with the evidence of identity required under §422.107, or suggested that no child should get a card without appearing in person.
What Is A Social Security Card For
Basically, this card is used to track your lifetime earnings and work history so that during retirement or if/when you need to access Social Security disability benefits, the government can determine your eligibility. This number will be used by all of your employers to report your earnings to the IRS and your Social Security wages to the SSA. You also need to use your Social Security number when opening an account at a bank, applying for a federal loan, enrolling in Medicare, getting a passport, filing a tax return, getting a drivers license, and more.
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Card Replacement Or Renewal
Born Belizeans applying for a card replacement or renewal, who do not have a scanned image of their birth certificate in the Social Security Boards registration database, do not need to provide their birth certificate provided that:
Note: A change of name or date of birth must be authenticated by providing evidence showing that a bona fide/legal change has been made.
Registered persons who have a recent photo captured in SSBs registration database do not need to provide the required Photo ID for card replacement or renewal purposes.
Corrected Card For A Noncitizen Adult
If you change your name, become a U.S. citizen, or your immigration status or work authorization has changed, you need to tell Social Security so we can update our records and when necessary, issue a new card.
When you request a replacement or a corrected Social Security card, you must show us proof of your identity, immigration status and work authorization. In addition, if you need to change or correct any information on your Social Security card, you need to show us certain documents about the change. We can only accept certain documents.
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Submitting Your Application By Mail Or In Person
The final step is to submit the SS-5 form and your original or certified documents to your local Social Security office or card center, either by mail or in person. You can find the address online using the Social Security Administration’s Field Office Locator.
If you apply by mail, the office or center will mail your original documents back to you along with your new Social Security card.
One advantage of going in person is that you eliminate the possibility that sensitive or difficult-to-replace personal documents, such as your original birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport, will get lost or stolen in the mail. If you have any questions, you can also call that office beforehand and ask which documents you need to bring with you.
Generally, the Social Security Administration says, it will take two to four weeks to process your application and send you your card.