A recent update on the official Social Security Administration‘s (SSA) website is urging beneficiaries to exercise the utmost caution when it comes to the safety of their Social Security Cards.
If you are a beneficiary of Social Security, here is what the Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends you do in order to ensure the safety of your Social Security Card.
How to guard your Social Security Card
For your protection, the SSA is urging beneficiaries to not carry around their Social Security Card unless it is required. Being required to present your physical card is a rare occurrence and as such, the optimal way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it stored in a safe place. For the majority of cases, it is sufficient to just know your Social Security Number without presenting the physical card.
However, beneficiaries should also be cautious when asked to share their Social Security Number. If you are asked for your Social Security Number, before revealing it, you should always follow up by asking why the number is required, how will it be used, and what will happen if you refuse to share it. Additionally, a beneficiary should also always ensure that they are not carrying with them any documentation that has their Social Security Number displayed on it.
If a beneficiary requires their Social Security Card to be replaced, the Social Security Administration has a simple process to follow.
“Visit our Social Security number & card page and answer a few questions to determine the best way to apply. You may be able to start – and possibly complete – the application process online. If you need to visit a Social Security or card center, you may have the option to self-schedule an appointment online to show your required documents and finish the process. If you are unable to self-schedule an appointment online, please contact us to make an appointment before coming into an office,” as stated on the official SSA website.
Additionally, if a beneficiary requires more information regarding changing their name on their Social Security Card as a result of their marriage, this blog post should be read.
SSA tips to Guard Your Card
The SSA has also provided a factsheet, as well an an infographic with helpful tips to ensure the safety of your Social Security Card and when to present it.
Here are some instances where you will not need to present your physical card, according to the “Guard Your Card” infographic:
1- If evidence for work is required, you can use:
- Birth Certificate
- Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt
- Employment Authorization Document
- Form I-94 or Form I-94A
2- If Evidence for Department of Motor Vehicles or Driver License (REAL ID) is required, you can use:
- W-2 forms
- Form SSA-1099
- Non-SSA-1099 forms
- Pay Stubs
3- For other benefits such as Housing, Health Insurance, or Food Assistance, you can simply provide your Social Security Number without having the physical card present. The same applies for tax purposes as well.
According to the factsheet, the SSA states that beneficiaries can help protect their Social Security Number by doing the following:
- Opening your personal my Social Security account. Create your account today and take away the risk of someone else trying to create one in your name, even if they obtain your Social Security number.
- Protecting your information in other ways, including not routinely carrying your card or other documents that display your number with you. Also, be careful about sharing your number, even when you’re asked for it. You should ask why your number is needed, how it’ll be used, and what will happen if you refuse.
Additionally, if your Social Security information has been compromised, you should immediately make a request to Block Electronic Access by calling the
National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).