A Social Security card is one of the most important documents that every American should have. It contains your unique nine-digit Social Security number (SSN) identifying you as a worker, taxpayer, and beneficiary of various social programs. This article will explain what a Social Security card is, why you need it, what benefits it offers, and how to apply for one using Form SS-5.
What is a Social Security Card?
A Social Security card is a small plastic or paper card issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that shows your name and SSN. Your SSN is assigned to you at birth if you are born in the U.S. or when you apply for one if you are born outside the U.S. or become eligible later in life.
Your SSN serves as your personal identification number for various purposes, such as:
- Getting a job
- Paying taxes
- Opening bank accounts
- Applying for government benefits
- Obtaining credit cards
- Enrolling in health insurance
- Registering for school
- Applying for a passport
- Voting
Why do you need a Social Security Card?
You need a Social Security card because it proves that you have an SSN and that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers use your SSN to report your wages and taxes to the IRS and SSA. The IRS uses your SSN to track your income and tax payments over your lifetime. The SSA uses your SSN to calculate your eligibility and amount of benefits under various social programs, such as:
- Retirement benefits
- Disability benefits
- Survivors benefits
- Medicare
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What are the benefits of having a Social Security Card?
Having a Social Security card can provide many benefits for yourself and your family members, such as:
- Receiving monthly income when you retire or become disabled
- Receiving medical coverage through Medicare when you turn 65 or qualify due to disability
- Receiving financial assistance through SSI if you have low income and limited resources
- Receiving lump-sum death payments and monthly survivor benefits if you die before retirement age or leave behind eligible dependents
- Claiming tax credits and deductions based on your income level and family status
What is Form SS-5?
Form SS-5 is an application form from the SSA that allows you to apply for an original or replacement Social Security card. You can use this form if:
- You have never had an SSN before
- You have an SSN but need a new card.
- You have an existing card but need to change some information on it.
You can download Form SS 5 from [the SSA website](https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss 5. pdf) or get it from any local SSA office.
What information do you need to fill out Form SS 5?
To fill out Form SS-5, you need to provide the following information:
- Your name as it appears on your birth certificate or other proof of identity
- Your date of birth and place of birth
- Your citizenship or immigration status
- Your parents’ names and SSNs (if known)
- Your gender
- Your race/ethnicity (optional)
- Your phone number and mailing address
- Your signature
How can you get Form SS 5?
You can get Form SS 5 in one of the following ways:
- Download it from [the SSA website](https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss 5.pdf) and print it out
- Call 1 800 772 1213 (TTY 1 800 325 0778) and request a form to be mailed to you
- Visit any local SSA office and pick up a form
How can you submit Form SS 5?
You can submit Form SS 5 in one of the following ways:
- Mail it to your local SSA office along with the required documents (see below)
- Bring it to your local SSA office in person along with the required documents (see below)
You cannot submit Form SS 5 online or by fax.
When do you need to apply for a new or replacement Social Security Card?
You need to apply for a new or replacement Social Security card when:
When do you need to apply for a new Social Security Card?
You need to apply for a new Social Security card if:
If you are a U.S. citizen born in the U.S.
You have never had an SSN before. You will need to provide proof of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship. Examples of acceptable documents are:
- A U.S. birth certificate
- A U.S. passport
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
If you are a U.S. citizen born outside the U.S.
You have never had an SSN before, or your previous card was issued by a foreign country. You will need to provide proof of your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship. Examples of acceptable documents are:
- A Consular Report of Birth Abroad
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- A U.S. passport
If you are not a U.S. citizen but have lawful immigration status
You have never had an SSN before, or your previous card was issued by a foreign country. You will need to provide proof of your identity, age, and immigration status. Examples of acceptable documents are:
- An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired visa and an I-94 arrival/departure record
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- An unexpired Permanent Resident Card (green card)
When do you need to apply for a replacement Social Security Card?
You need to apply for a replacement Social Security card if:
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged
Your existing card is no longer usable due to wear and tear or theft. You will need to provide proof of your identity only if it has changed since your last card was issued. Examples of acceptable documents are:
- A driver’s license
- A state ID card
- A U.S. passport
If your name or other personal information has changed
Your existing card does not reflect your current name, date of birth, gender, citizenship, or immigration status due to marriage, divorce, adoption, court order, naturalization,
or other reasons. You will need to provide proof of your identity and proof of the change. Examples of acceptable documents are:
- A marriage certificate
- A divorce decree
- A court order
- A Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- An updated foreign passport with an updated visa and I-94 arrival/departure record
- An updated Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- An updated Permanent Resident Card (green card)
How long does it take to get a Social Security card?
The fastest you can expect to receive your new or replacement Social Security card is seven business days, but it typically takes 10 to 14 business days. You can call the Social Security Administration at 1 800 772 1213 to find out if your Social Security card has been mailed yet.
If you apply online with a free personal Social Security account, you can complete your application faster and track its status online. However, not everyone is eligible to apply online. You can only apply online if you:
- Are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address
- Are you not requesting a name change or any other change to your card
- Have a driver’s license or state ID card from one of the participating states or the District of Columbia
You can check if your state participates in the online service here.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) on SS5:
What is SS5?
SS5 is the form provided by the Social Security Administration for issuing a Social Security card to anyone applying for it.
Who needs SS5?
You need SS5 if you are applying for a new or replacement Social Security card or if you want to change or correct information on your existing card1.
How do I apply for SS5?
You can apply for SS5 online, by mail or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide proof of your identity, age and citizenship or immigration status. You will also need to show your parents’ Social Security numbers if you are applying for a child under the age of 18.
What documents do I need for SS5?
The documents you need for SS5 depend on your situation and the reason for your application. Some examples of acceptable documents are:
-
- U.S. birth certificate or passport
- U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- Foreign passport with visa and I-94 form
- Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree
- Court order for a name change
You can find more information on the required documents here: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm.
How long does it take to get a Social Security card after applying with SS5?
It usually takes about two weeks to get a Social Security card after applying with SS5. However, it may take longer if there are delays in verifying your documents or processing your application.
How do I access the application for a Social Security card online?
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card online by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov. Once you’re on the website, click on the “Replacement Documents” tab, then click on “Replace Your Social Security Card.” From there, you’ll be guided through the process of applying for a replacement card.
How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
It typically takes about 10-14 business days to receive a replacement Social Security card in the mail after your application has been processed.
What should I do if I receive a call saying there’s a problem with my Social Security number?
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the Social Security Administration and they say there is a problem with your Social Security number, be very cautious. Social Security employees will never call you and ask for your Social Security number or other personal information over the phone. If you’re unsure if the call is legitimate, hang up and call the Social Security Administration directly to inquire about the status of your account.
Will the Social Security office give you a temporary card?
No, the Social Security Administration does not issue temporary Social Security cards. If you need to prove your Social Security number for employment purposes, you can show your employer your Social Security card, a W-2 form, or a pay stub that shows your Social Security number.
How do I make changes or correct information on my Social Security card?
To make changes or corrections to your Social Security card, you’ll need to fill out a Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and submit it to the Social Security Administration. You can download the form from the SSA website or pick one up at your local SSA office. Along with the completed form, you’ll need to provide documentation that verifies your identity and the requested changes.
How do I get a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S)?
You can get a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099/1042S) by creating an account on the Social Security Administration’s website and accessing your statement online. Alternatively, you can call the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 to request a paper copy of your statement is mailed to you.
Can I fill out form SS5 online?
Yes, you can fill out a Form SS-5 online by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website and following the instructions for submitting your application electronically.
What is the purpose of form SS5?
Form SS-5 is the application form for obtaining an original or replacement Social Security card. The form collects identifying information, citizenship or immigration status, and other relevant data to process your request for a Social Security card.
