What is Social Security Form SS-5 ?
Your Social Security number is a crucial piece of information needed for a variety of transactions, including opening a bank account and obtaining Social Security benefits. Your Social Security card, which serves as identification, will have your number on it.
You can apply for a new or replacement Social Security card using Form SS-5, which is a form provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Social Security Administration (SSA) grants you a maximum of three replacement cards each year and ten replacement cards overall.
Every time you ask the government for a new or replacement Social Security card, you must submit Social Security Form SS-5. The majority of parents obtain a Social Security card for their child at birth; but, if you don't already have one or if yours has to be replaced, you may need to apply for one. You'll need to complete Form SS-5 in order to do this.
A job, medical treatment, opening a bank account and Social Security retirement benefits all require your Social Security number. You'll need the number on your card to get by if your parents didn't get one for you. In order to authenticate your number with your employer and other parties, you will need a new card if the one you previously had was lost or damaged. In either case, you must apply for your new card using the SS-5 form.
You may use Form SS-5 to apply for a social security card if you enter the United States under specific circumstances. The name on your card must be changed if you get married, divorce, file for the first time, require a replacement, or are applying for your child.
You must complete Social Security Form SS-5 and provide at least two supporting papers to confirm your identity, age, and citizenship status in order to obtain a Social Security card, either for the first time or as a replacement. You will receive your SSN card in the mail as soon as your application is accepted. Make copies of everything you send for your records, and after the SSA has processed all of your papers, allow 10 business days to receive your new card.
Key Facts of SSA Form SS-5
- The form required to apply for a social security number is called SS-5 (SSN).
- To receive a Social Security card, whether it be a new card or a replacement card, you must complete Form SS-5.
- You must present proof of your age, identity, and citizenship; these documents cannot be reproductions; they must be originals or confirmed by the organization that issued them.
- You can only submit your application by mail or in person at a Social Security office, unless you're requesting a replacement card that has no alterations.
Who Should Fill Out Form SS-5 ?
Form SS-5 needs to be completed by everyone who requires a social security card. The following instances are examples of when you might need to fill out this form. These consist of :
- You have never had a Social Security card, but you now require one.
- You need one today to get employment, but your parents never submitted an application on your behalf.
- You formerly owned a Social Security card, but you've lost it, had it stolen, or it's too damaged to be of any use.
- You need a new card with your new name on it if you recently changed your name due to a marriage, divorce, or other circumstance.
- Your citizenship status has changed; you are now an American citizen instead of a legal resident.
- You want to receive a replacement card with accurate information because the one you now have has a typo, such as a misspelling name or an inaccurate birth date.
- You just had a baby, but you didn't request a social security card from the hospital.
- You need to get a card for the child you've adopted.
- You need a Social Security card for the adult dependent you are caring for in order to get government benefits and manage your finances.
How to Apply for a Social Security Card with SS-5 Form ?
Using the SS-5 Form to apply for a Social Security card is a reasonably simple and cost-free process. You will file the SS5 social security application with the SSA. The "Application for a Social Security Card" form is an 18-part document. Form SS-5 can be downloaded and filled out on a computer, but it cannot be submitted online. A website that claims to be able to do this for you is a scam.
If you are applying for a card for the first time or changing your legal name on it, you cannot file online. You must provide Form SS-5 and your accompanying documentation in person or by mail to the Social Security office that is closest to you. If you need a replacement card, you can do this online once you have set up a “my Social Security account" on the Social Security Administration website.
It's vital to remember that, in accordance with the application requirements, you must include original supporting evidence or documents that have been certified by the custodian of the original record. The SSA will likely return any notarized copies or photocopies that have not been certified by the record's custodian and request originals or certified copies instead.
Utilize the Social Security Office Locator to find the local Social Security office. Enter your ZIP code, then click "locate."
Getting Your First Card as an Adult
As was already said, the majority of American parents obtain a Social Security card for each child in order to, among other things, deduct that child from their taxes as a dependent. In addition to completing Form SS-5 and providing supporting documentation, if you are 12 years of age or older and have never held a Social Security card, you must perform an additional step.
For an interview, you must physically attend at your local Social Security office. Additionally, you will need to demonstrate that you have never received a Social Security number. Records proving your long-term residence abroad or, if you haven't spent much time abroad, your education records, are examples of documents the government might accept as proof.
Replacing Card That Were Damaged, Lost, or Stolen
If your Social Security card is destroyed, lost, or stolen, you will also require a new one. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a maximum of three replacement cards each year and ten lifetimes in these circumstances.
Simply fill out Form SS-5 and gather the necessary supporting documentation to request a replacement card. By mail, in person, or online using a "my Social Security account," as previously mentioned, you can request a new card.
Replacements Because of a Name Change
Have you changed your name as a result of a marriage, a divorce, or another circumstance? If so, a new Social Security card is required. You'll need an original or certified copy (not just a photocopy or notarized copy) of your marriage licence in addition to the basic requirements for Form SS-5.
One of the first stages in finishing the name-changing procedure is to alter your name on your Social Security card, so do it as soon as you can. You can change your name on your driver's licence, with your employer, and with your bank with the assistance of your updated Social Security card.
Replacements to Correct a Mistake
It is much the same to obtain a replacement Social Security card to rectify an error as it is to obtain a new card for any other reason. Include a brief letter with your application to ensure that the new card is provided appropriately since there is nowhere on Form SS-5 to indicate that you are asking for a mistake repair.
New Card for Immigration Status Change
If your immigration status has changed, you might also require a new card. Two of the three types of Social Security cards that are issued by the SSA restrict your ability to find employment. Before you can work or change jobs, you might require a new card if your status has changed. Additional proof of your citizenship in the United States, such as your citizenship certificate, must be submitted.
Obtaining a Card for a Dependent
You can also request a Social Security card if you recently gave birth or adopted a child. The Social Security Administration (SSA) advises that you apply for your child's Social Security number as soon as possible; in fact, you can do it at the hospital when you get a birth certificate.
You must establish both your identify and the identity of the applicant if you submit an application on their behalf, including a minor under the age of 18.
Additionally, you'll need to provide evidence of your relationship to or responsibility for the individual, which could need additional papers. The application procedure is otherwise identical to that of applying for your own card.
Application for Social Security Card : Form SS-5
Required Documentation for Application of Social Security Card
When applying for a Social Security card for whatever purpose, you must provide supporting documentation to demonstrate the applicant's age, identity, and citizenship status. You might not have these documents on hand, and even if you have, the SSA won't accept reproductions, so this step can be difficult. Only originals or copies that have been verified by the organization that issued the document will be accepted. It won't be sufficient even if you go to a notary with an original and a photocopy to have the photocopy notarized. The SSA has stringent guidelines.
Documents for Obtaining an Original Social Security Card :
You must provide at least two pieces of proof of your age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or work authorization in order to obtain your first Social Security card.
Your birth certificate is normally what is advised when providing proof of age, although other documents are acceptable as well, such as :
- Passport
- U.S. hospital record of birth
- Final Adoption Decree, if applicable
- Religious record
The following documents are acceptable as identification proof :
- U.S. Driver’s License
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. state-issued non-driver identity card
If you are unable to obtain one of the above documents within ten business days, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may accept additional documents, such as a U.S. military identification card, certificate of naturalisation, employee identification card, health insurance or Medicaid card, and certified copies of your medical records. Page 2 of the SS-5 Form has a comprehensive list of accepted forms of identification.
Birth certificates, social security card stubs, and hospital souvenir birth certificates are examples of documents that won't be accepted as proof of identity. Note that you must include proof of your current immigration status with your passport if you are not a citizen of the United States.
Documents Proving Your Citizenship & Immigration Status :
The following documents are acceptable as proof of U.S. citizenship:
- U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport
- Consular Report of Birth
- Certificate of Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
You must present a current, valid document that was issued to you by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and clearly mentions your immigration status as proof of your status. Examples of authorized paperwork include
- Form I-551
- I-94
- I-766
For international or exchange visitors, additional documents may be needed, such as Form I-20, DS-2019, or other letters from the employer or school approving employment.
How to Fill Out a Form SS-5 ?
A copy of form SS-5 is available on the SSA website or in your local Social Security office. Once you have a copy, you must fill it out completely with all necessary data, the specific fields that must be filled out depend on the reason you are submitting the form and the information you have at your disposal. As much information as you can, such as your name and contact information, birth date, parents' Social Security numbers, and your own original Social Security number, if you know it, should be provided.
How to Submit a Form SS-5 ?
You'll typically need to mail your form or deliver it in person to a Social Security office. If you don't want to mail your original documents, bring them to the nearest Social Security office together with this application. You must mail your supporting documents together with your completed form if you choose to do so. You must apply in person if you are 12 years old or older and have never had a number allocated to you before.
How to Find Your Local Social Security Office ?
It's simple enough to find the Social Security office that is closest to you. To locate the nearest office, go to the SSA website and input your zip code.
Receiving Social Security Card
The SSA website states that after you've completed your application and provided your supporting documentation, your new card should arrive in around 10 business days. The procedure is over once you obtain your new Social Security card.
Cautions Regarding Your Personal Information
Although there are companies you can hire to complete your Social Security card application and advise you on which documents to send, the SSA does not advise doing so. It's free if you fill out the papers by hand. Even if it is your tenth replacement card, there is no fee to obtain a Social Security card.
Protect Your Social Security Card and Number
One of the most important identifiers you have in the US is your social security number. It would be best if you took great care to keep it a secret unless it was absolutely necessary, such as when applying for credit, making significant purchases, or borrowing money. For the purpose of stealing your identity, applying for loans in your name, and obtaining other benefits, thieves and con artists will go to great measures to attempt to get this number from you. Don't divulge it online, over the phone, or in emails. As a general rule, keep your SSN and card in a secure location and avoid carrying them with you while performing daily activities.
Contact to SSA
Please get in touch with any Social Security office if you have any questions concerning this form or the required documentation. You may make sure you have everything you need to apply for a card or modify information on your record by giving a phone call.
You can look up the location of the nearest office in your local phone directory or online at SSA's website. You can call at 1-800-772-1213 or Toll-free National 800 Number. (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get online access to the Social Security card application?
Through this Social Security website, you can apply for a social security card, but only if you ask for a replacement card. You must submit the SS-5 application form and supporting documentation if you're applying for a Social Security Card for the first time, or you can bring them in person to a Social Security office.
What is the purpose of Social Security Form SS-5?
The Social Security Administration's SS5, Application for a Social Security Card, is a form that residents of the United States can use to apply for social security cards. Most U.S. institutions allow you to apply for credit using your social security number when you want to get a mortgage, a car loan, etc. Most significantly, your social security number allows the government to keep track of your Social Security contributions. Hence, the amount of retirement or disability benefits you will receive is directly related to the social security contributions you made.
How long does it take to get a new Social Security card?
After your application has been processed, the normal wait time for new cards is 10 to 14 business days. New applications may take two to four weeks to process.
What should I do if I get a call stating that, there’s a problem with my Social Security number?
If there is a problem with your account, the SSA will typically mail you a letter rather than calling you unless you specifically request a call. One of the most recent scams involves robocalls from con artists accusing victims of having an issue with their SSN or account. Do not provide your personal information over the phone and be extremely cautious of these unscrupulous techniques.
Official SSA representatives will never demand payment over the phone, threaten to terminate your account, or ask for presents. Report any such calls you get to the Office of the Inspector General. Here you may find out more about fraud reporting and prevention.
Will you receive a temporary card from the Social Security office?
Applying for a temporary Social Security card with the SSA will get you one. The quickest (and advised) line of action is to visit a local office because only the SSA can print temporary cards. If you are a citizen of the United States (18 years of age or older), possess a driver's licence or state-issued ID, and are not pursuing a name change, you can obtain a temporary card online. This will result in a delivery time of about 10 business days for your temporary card.
How can I modify or correct the data on my Social Security card?
Prior to mailing or bringing the application to a local office, you must first complete and print the Application for Social Security Card.
How can I submit an online request for a new Social Security card?
You might not need a new card if you lost your old one. Most of the time, all you need to know is your Social Security number (SSN). If you do require a replacement, you can submit your application either in person or online. Online using a free, personal my Social Security account is the simplest way to request a replacement SSN card.
Can I complete the SS5 form online?
You cannot submit your SS5 online if this is your first time applying for a social security card. The form can be filled out online, but you must physically deliver it along with your supporting documents. You must deliver your SS5 package in person or by mail to the nearby Social Security office.
How much does it cost to get a Social Security card?
For this service, some commercial businesses that are not connected to Social Security or any other government organisation demand a fee. These businesses, however, don't provide any advantages, and you must still deliver your documentation to Social Security on your own.
Can I receive a Social Security number if I'm not a citizen of the United States?
A Social Security number can typically only be obtained by non-citizens who have been granted employment authorization by the Department of Homeland Security. For more details, see Social Security Numbers For Non citizens.
Who is qualified to complete the SSA Form SS-5?
There are numerous justifications for applying for a social security card. Any American citizen or foreigner may submit Form SS-5, but in order to receive Social Security payments, you must meet certain requirements.
How can I update my Social Security card's address?
Your Social Security card does not require a report of an address change. Go online to My Social Security to update your address if you receive Social Security or Medicare benefits. Contact your local Social Security office if you receive Supplemental Security Income.
If I become a victim of identity theft, may I get a different Social Security number?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) may provide you a new number if you have tried everything to resolve any issues brought on by someone else using your Social Security number but they have persisted. For further information, see Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number.
If I was granted Deferred Action status and employment authorization, can I get a Social Security number?
You can be qualified for a Social Security number if the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services grants you Deferred Action status and job authorization.