Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions. If you did not find what you were looking for, you can ask your question at https://secure.ssa.gov/emailus/. Show What if I don't receive my SSN card within 3 weeks of arrival? Contact us. In the United States, you may call the telephone number listed for the Social Security office in the local telephone directory under "United States Government" or Social Security's toll-free number 1-800-772-1213. Do I need to pay a fee to receive an SSN card? No. We don't charge a fee to assign a Social Security number or issue a Social Security card. If you should lose the card, we will replace it for free. We suggest you keep your card in a safe place, as you would any important document. Will SSA share any information with others? No. We keep strictly confidential all information you provide for a Social Security number and do not disclose it except as provided for under the law. For example, we may share information with other government agencies as permitted under the Privacy Act. For more information about this, please contact us. I didn't apply for an SSN card through my visa process. How can I get an SSN card? If you didn't request a Social Security number card as part of your visa application, you must apply for a card at a Social Security office. When you have a permanent address where we can mail your card, please contact us to find out where to apply. I will apply for a Social Security card at a field office. What do I need to bring with me? When you visit a Social Security office to apply for a Social Security card for each family member applying for a number, take: A Social Security representative will help you complete the application. You should receive your card about 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application. If we need to verify any document with the issuing agency, it may take longer. What if I change my address after I fill out all the forms? If you change your mailing address after arriving and before you receive your Social Security card, call us. If you change your mailing address after arriving and after receiving your Social Security card, you do not need to contact us. I need to contact Social Security before I leave for the U.S. Who do I call? If you need to contact us before you leave for the United States, we are assisted outside the United States by United States embassies, United States consulates, and Veteran's Affairs Regional Office in Manila which assists us in the Philippines. Click here for the information about where to contact us. You can sign in to or create a personal my Social Security account to check the Status of Your Application online. Your my Social Security account shows:
If you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. But if you do need a replacement, we make it easy. Once you complete your application (online or in-person), you will receive your Social Security card in the mail. Answer a few questions to find the best way to get what you need.You can:
Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card AgeAre you at least 18 years old? Yes NoBack NextCitizenshipIs the card for a U.S. Citizen? Yes NoBack NextMailing addressDo you have a U.S. mailing address This includes Army, Fleet, and Diplomatic Post Office addresses (APO, FPO, & DPO). Yes NoBack NextWho the request is forAre you applying for yourself or someone else? Yourself Someone ElseChoose "Someone Else" if you are applying for a child. Request typeWhat do you need to do? Get a replacement card (replacement only. no changes) Change my name Change other information Get a Social Security Number for the first time"Change other information" could include your sex identification, citizenship, date or place of birth corrections, or changes to your parent's names. Back NextProof of IdentityWhich form of identification do you want to use? Using a driver's license or State issued ID is the fastest option to complete your request. Driver's license State issued ID card Other form of IDWhich state or district issued your identification?Back NextChange your nameIs the name change because you got married? Yes NoWhich state issued your marriage certificate?Back NextWe are unable to provide online options that meet your needs. Visit your local SSA office for personalized assistance with your Social Security number and card. Sign in or create an account to submit your request You can replace your card online and receive it in 14 days. You can also use your account to check the status of your request and manage other benefits you receive from us. Sign in Create account Trouble signing in? Start the application online and visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application. Prefer to talk to someone? Contact your local SSA office. You can start your Social Security number (SSN) card application online. Once you've submitted your request, visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application. You will need to give us some of the information you provided again. How do I check my Social Security status?If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; or contact your local Social Security office.
How do I find my Social Security number?You can find your Social Security number on tax documents and bank or financial statements. If you don't have any documentation, you can request a new Social Security card online with the Social Security Administration.
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