The Social Security Administration (SSA) sends monthly payments to retired employees in the United States. This insurance can be collected in many ways, but mainly through a card issued by the office. What happens when you lose her? How can I apply for a duplicate Social Security card? We will answer these questions below.
Sometimes people can lose their social security card, which leads to despair, especially when they are about to receive benefits. However, getting a duplicate is very easy.
What if you lose your Social Security card?
If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate as long as you act quickly to minimize the consequences. What’s more, you can do it quickly and completely free of charge. Just remember that everyone is entitled to three card changes per year and a total of ten in a lifetime.
How to get a duplicate card?
The process of obtaining a duplicate Social Security card is simple and can be done online or in person. But before we explain how to apply for a replacement, you must meet certain requirements and submit a number of documents to complete the process.
Requirements
Before the procedure, some of the documents must be collected and submitted as certified copies, and some as originals. Please note that the Social Security Administration does not accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. The documents to be submitted include:
- Proof of citizenship. If you are a citizen of the United States, you must prove the legality of your citizenship. To do this, attach your birth certificate or US passport.
- Age Proof. To verify your age, the SSA will ask for a birth certificate, a birth certificate issued by a US hospital, a US passport, or a religious certificate proving that you participated in the act before the age of five. The latter document must reflect the date of birth to be considered valid.
- ID card. To prove your identity, you can show a U.S. driver’s license, state-issued photo ID, U.S. passport, or government employee ID card. School. ID cards, military ID cards and health insurance cards are accepted.
How to apply
- The second step is as simple as applying for a Social Security card online. To do this, go to the Social Security website and create an account – or sign in – to complete an online application.
- You can also complete Form SS-5 and submit it physically or by mail. Here is the link to download the form.
- In the latter case, you must print and complete the form and attach the original documents before going to the nearest SSA official. If you have completed a duplicate application online, the same platform will direct you to the nearest SSA office in your location.
- Upload the entire file and wait for a new tab. It takes 10 to 14 business days for your application to be processed and approved.