United States citizens usually receive their Social Security number shortly after birth. This means that our parents receive a cardboard Social Security card. This card may end up lost after several moves and many years.
However, we must remember that this does not mean that we have lost our rights as citizens as well. Not having the physical card does not mean not enjoying the benefits of Social Security. Moreover, it is possible to request a duplicate in case you need it.
In some cases we will need the physical Social Security card, since the number alone is not enough. Although it should be noted that in many cases the number is more than enough.
Do I really need my physical Social Security card?
If we look at Social Security’s own website we can see that “You will rarely need the card itself, perhaps only when you get a new job and have to show it to your employer.” It is very common not to carry this card in your pocket, but sometimes we may find ourselves in a situation where it is mandatory.
The Social Security Administration itself has stated that there are currently 47 versions of SSA cards in circulation. While the original ones were simply cardboard, beginning in 1983 they began to be created with paper money. This change made it more difficult to counterfeit them.
As far as presenting the card is concerned, it is common for employers to ask for it when you start working in a new place. However, a Social Security number is sufficient in most cases. Therefore, it is not uncommon for U.S. citizens to not carry it with them.
Tips for preserving your SSA card
In order to keep your Social Security card for as long as possible, there are a few tips to follow:
- Do not carry the card inside your wallet. People tend to put their Social Security card in their wallet and this is a very bad idea. It is better to leave it at home and take it only when necessary. This document can also be damaged in the wallet itself.
- It is not advisable to laminate the card. One of the elements to determine that a Social Security card is authentic is its feel. If we laminate the card, we will lose this. In addition, there are some visible elements that are no longer visible when we laminate them. If we want to preserve it better, we should use a transparent cover that can be taken off and put on.
- Memorize the number. If you memorize your Social Security number you will not need to carry the card everywhere and, therefore, you will not lose it.
- Don’t write your number on another document. It’s tempting to write your SSA number on another document so you always have it in your wallet, but you shouldn’t do it. This is just as dangerous as carrying the card with you, since anyone could access the number.
With these tips, you should be able to keep your Social Security card longer. And remember that it is not always necessary to present it physically, although some agencies may ask for it.